THE WORLD MUST ACT AGAINST THE THREAT OF AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS
We are fast approaching a pivotal moment in the global arms race for Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs) Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will disrupt the way things are being done right now Major countries and technology companies all over the world are developing LAWs capable of acquiring, identifying and engaging targets without any meaningful […]
OP SAMUDRA SETU PHASE 2
Why in news? The Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa completed embarkation of 588 Indian citizens on 15 May 20, at the port of Male, Maldives as part of Operation Samudra Setu. Click Here to read More about Operations Samudra Setu
ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT
Why in news? The Prime Minister addressed the nation regarding the battle against the COVID-19 crisis and how we are going to face it as a nation. Self-reliant India PPE kits N-95 masks, whose production in India has gone up from almost being negligible to 2 lakh each, on a daily basis is an example […]
HEED THE DIFFERENCE: STRATEGIES TO EXIT LOCKDOWN
Introduction The two imperatives, of extending the lockdown to reduce the rise in number of COVID-19 cases and relaxing lockdown to increase economic activity, might seem conflicting. But the key to resolving the impasse lies in recognising that different states have different needs and demands, and they should be given a greater say in decisions […]
RIDING ROUGHSHOD OVER STATE GOVERNMENTS
Introduction During the lockdowns the Centre has issued guidelines from time to time, ostensibly under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, containing varying restrictions on public activity and commerce which the States are expected to enforce. The Centre directs the State governments to scrupulously enforce every new set of guidelines, with the States ONLY being […]
RESPONDING TO COVID-19 AT THE GRASSROOTS
Introduction Line Mahatma Gandhi envisioned that a free India would rest on a foundation of gram panchayats, village republics that governed locally and epitomised Swaraj in practice. Locally relevant initiatives and issues The 73rd Constitutional Amendment mandates the constitution of panchayats at the district, intermediate and village levels as devolved institutions of self-government and provides […]
TOXIC DISASTER: SAFETY PARAMOUNT WHEN EXITING LOCKDOWN
Why in news? The disastrous leak of a toxic chemical that has killed several people and left hundreds sick near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh comes as a shock to a nation struggling to cope with a prolonged lockdown. Styrene, the chemical involved is included in the schedule of the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical […]
MAJOR STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR MSMES, TDS AND TCS REDUCED
Why in news? The Union Finance Minister on 13th May 2020, announced a Rs. 3 lakh crore collateral free loan scheme for businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as part of a Rs. 20-lakh-crore economic stimulus package to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The rates of tax deduction at source (TDS) and tax collection […]
PM: RS. 20-LAKH-CRORE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE
Why in news? The Prime Minister, on 12th May, announced an economic stimulus package for ₹20-lakh-crore (estimated at 10% of the GDP), with a clearly defined leap towards economic reforms that will lead to Atmanirbhar Bharat, or a self-reliant, resilient India. Details This amount includes packages already announced at the beginning of the lockdown incorporating a […]
NORMS ISSUED FOR RESTART OF INDUSTRIAL UNITS: NDMA
Why in news? The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a series of guidelines for restarting manufacturing industries after the lockdown period. Certain economic activities have already been allowed on gradual lifting of restrictions in some zones. Highlights of the guidelines Instructions have been issued on safekeeping of hazardous and flammable materials. Guidelines also […]