LACK OF AIR POLLUTION DATA PUTS INDIANS AT RISK
Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology Why in news? India is among seven countries that does not share air pollution data in a fully transparent manner despite it being termed as “the greatest environmental risk to health” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Highlights of a report The report highlighted that outdoor air pollution leads to […]
CENTRE URGES SC AGAINST DIRECT RELIEF IN SCAM CASES
Focus: GS-II Governance Why in news? The Union government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court suggesting there was a trend of people accused in high-value economic offences approaching the Supreme Court directly — instead of an appropriate court — to get protection from arrest. Details In 44 such instances where economic offenders had approached […]
AUSTRALIA ENDS HONG KONG EXTRADITION TREATY
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? Australia suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extended visas for Hong Kong residents in response to China’s imposition of a tough national security law on the semi-autonomous territory. Details Australia announced a range of visas that will be extended from two to five years and offers […]
WHO SETS UP PANEL TO PROBE ITS VIRUS RESPONSE
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The World Health Organization, which faced fierce U.S. criticism over its handling of the coronavirus crisis, launched an independent panel to review its response to the pandemic. Details Through the Independent panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, the world will understand the truth of what happened and also […]
WHO ALERT ON AIRBORNE SPREAD OF SARS-nCoV2
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? Union Health Ministry said it was closely watching the dynamic evolution of the virus situation in India, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) now indicating that the virus may be airborne. WHO on Airborne spread of COVID-19 After earlier denials, the WHO said there is evidence emerging […]
HOW TO RESOLVE INDIVIDUAL DATA PRIVACY COMPLAINTS?
Focus: GS-II Governance Why in news? The current version of the draft Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill is being reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 The Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 (PDP Bill 2019) is being analyzed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in consultation with experts and stakeholders. The […]
DREAMS AND DOUBTS OF A GREEN REVIVAL
Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology Introduction Teeming wildlife; cities breathing fresh air; and clearer rivers, were all small signs of hope amid a dire, once-in-a-century pandemic. There is now a term to describe this unique moment in human history: the anthropause. What is the ‘Anthropause’ period? Researchers in the UK are set to study the […]
OWNING UP TO CRIMINALISATION IN POLITICS
Focus: GS-II Governance Introduction A February 2020 Supreme Court judgment on criminalisation in politics may have far-reaching consequences for Indian democracy, as it will first be implemented in the coming Bihar elections in October 2020. Court’s directives Earlier Orders Earlier orders state that Each candidate shall submit a sworn affidavit giving financial details and criminal […]
U.S., CHINA TRADE VISA CURBS OVER TIBET
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? The U.S. and China imposed visa restrictions on each other over their disagreement on Tibet, adding fuel to the diplomatic fire between the superpowers. Details China announced its curbs on people from the U.S. who “behave badly” on Tibet-related issues. U.S. Moves U.S. Secretary of State had announced […]
UGC: SAFETY NORMS DRAWN UP FOR UNIVERSITY EXAMS
Focus: GS-II Governance Why in news? HRD Ministry sends guidelines to NTA, UGC and AICTE as the Centre wants universities to take to safeguard students taking examinations physically. Details of Measures Two-meters space between examination desks; Disinfection of walls, floors and doors; Thermometers and sanitisers at all entry and exit points; Students having symptoms such […]