IRDAI NOD FOR AROGYA SANJEEVANI GROUP VARIANT
Focus: GS-III Indian Economy Why in news? Insurance regulator IRDAI said it was permitting insurers to offer standard health insurance cover Arogya Sanjeevani as a group policy. This version will be introduced under the same name — Arogya Sanjeevani — and terms and conditions of the standard policy retained. Insurers, however, get the freedom to […]
INDIA, SRI LANKA SEEK TO RESET TIES, RBI CURRENCY SWAP
Focus: GS-II International Relations, GS-III Indian Economy Why in news? India was holding “close and constructive” discussions with Sri Lanka, on Colombo’s pending request for a ($960 million) debt freeze and for swapping currency under bilateral and SAARC arrangements. The Reserve Bank of India has agreed to a $400 million currency swap facility for Sri […]
INDIA AND CHINA DEVELOPMENTS
Focus: GS-II International Relations Why in news? India and China have agreed to hold another round of high-level military talks to take forward the slow-moving disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which remains only partially complete after four rounds of talks between Corps Commanders. India has made it clear to China that […]
HC KEEPS STATUS QUO: DECODING THE DECISION
Focus: GS-II Governance Why in news? The Rajasthan high court deferred its final verdict on the plea challenging the state assembly speaker’s notices of disqualification. What are the implications of the order? The speaker cannot decide on disqualification notices for the time being. When can the speaker act? If the Supreme Court stays the high […]
U.S. AGAINST CHINA DEVELOPMENTS
Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology, Prelims Why in news? The US government launched one of its most strident attacks on China yet with secretary of state asking allies and world powers to use “more creative and assertive ways” to press Beijing to change its ways. This comes after China retaliated to U.S. demanding the closure […]
SEROLOGICAL SURVEY AND WHAT IS HERD IMMUNITY?
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Introduction Results of a recent serological survey in Delhi are being interpreted to suggest that more than 45 lakh people in Delhi could so far have been infected (while the official confirmed cases are only around 1.25 Lakh cases) with the novel coronavirus, and that “herd immunity” could be approaching. […]
PRESIDENTIAL FORM OF GOVERNMENT FOR INDIA?
Focus: GS-II Governance Understand the Indian Parliamentary System of Government India is a federal (or quasi-federal) democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government largely based on the UK model. India’s federal legislative branch consists of the President, the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) as the upper house, and the Lok Sabha (House of the […]
THE SPECTRE OF CROWDS IN THE COVID CITY
Focus: GS-III Social Justice Introduction The pandemic has stigmatised social density, recalling Dickensian spectres of overcrowding, contagion and disorder. Crowding in markets, mosques or transport hubs were repeatedly highlighted as irresponsible and threatening to the health of the national body. Positives seen in the Urban setting Distancing, isolation and the thinning out of public spaces […]
HOW ‘CORONA’ OF THE VIRUS CHANGES SHAPE?
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Introduction Researchers have found that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 — the ‘corona’ in the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 disease — changes its form after it attaches itself to a human cell, folding in on itself and assuming a rigid hairpin shape. The researchers have published their findings in the […]
WHO CONTROLS CITIZENS’ DATA?
Focus: GS-II Governance, GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? Ministry of electronics and IT decided to block access to 59 Chinese mobile apps – by invoking the exception clause relating to sovereignty under IT Act. The MeitY order specifically refers to the mining, profiling and unauthorised use of personal data, amongst other concerns. The […]