India looks ready for long stand-off with China, may not stop border infra work
Why in news? As Indian and Chinese troops remain locked in stand-off positions in several points in Ladakh, at the senior levels of government there is a determination that India will not stop its border development activities. Details: While reinforcements in men and material are being rushed to the forward positions where soldiers from both […]
India’s crude steel output declines 65 per cent
Why in news? On May 24, 2020, the World Steel Association released the World Steel Report. According to the report, the crude steel report of India declined by 65%. Details: The country had produced 9.02 MT of crude steel during the same month a year ago, the World Steel Association (world steel) said in a […]
U.S. pushing relations to the brink of a new Cold War: China
Why in news? The United States is pushing relations with China to “the brink of a new Cold War,” China’s Foreign Minister said , rejecting Washington’s “lies” over the coronavirus while saying Beijing was open to an international effort to find its source. Details: Long-standing friction between the two powers over trade, human rights and a range […]
Reverse migration puts focus on ARYA scheme
Why in news? The massive reverse migration of people from urban areas to villages ever since lockdown was imposed due to COVID-19 has put focus on the Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA) scheme of the Centre with several experts suggesting that time is now ideal to go for full-fledged implementation of the ambitious scheme. Details: […]
Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana
The Van Dhan Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED. It was launched on 14th April, 2018 and seeks to improve tribal incomes through value addition of tribal products. Highlight of the scheme: The Van Dhan Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED. It was launched […]
THE LOCUST PROBLEM
Even as India battles the coronavirus pandemic, four Indian states — Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat — are facing another challenge : a desert locust attack. While many districts in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are battling the scourge; Punjab and Gujarat have warned farmers that they could be the next. Reports suggest that the […]
Ease of learning
BACKGROUND School education has been jolted out of its conventional ways by an unprecedented disruption due to the Pandemic. The Government is yet to issue a timeline for the reopening of schools. WHAT IS A VIRTUAL CLASSROOM? A virtual classroom is an online learning environment that allows for live interaction between the tutor and the learners as they are […]
EXTEND LOANS WITHOUT FEAR OF 3CS: FM
Why in news? Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 23rd May 2020 said banks had been asked to extend loans automatically to eligible borrowers without ‘fear of 3Cs — CBI, CVC and CAG’. Details Clear instructions had been given in a meeting with CEOs and MDs of public sector banks and financial institutions on 22nd May that the […]
PHASE-1 TRIAL: ADENOVIRUS COVID-19 VACCINE FOUND SAFE
Why in news? A phase-1 trial using a single dose of a vaccine (Ad5-nCoV) that uses a recombinant adenovirus type-5 vector that carries the genetic material that codes for spike glycoprotein of novel coronavirus was found to be safe, well-tolerated and able to generate immune responses against the virus. Details The adenovirus is a weakened […]
IMD HEATWAVE ALERT: DELHI, PUNJAB, HARYANA
Why in news? Severe heatwaves are likely to impact parts of northwest, central and peninsular India in next four to five days, while many parts of northeast India will experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall during the same period: India Meteorological Department (IMD). Under the influence of converging strong south-westerly winds from the Bay of […]