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 […]
INDIA SET TO COVER THE GLOBE WITH EXPORTS OF MASKS
Why in news? India is expected to emerge as one of the main exporters of masks with the habit of its wearing catching up on people worldwide in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the major suppliers are China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil and Argentina. Opportunity for India India can be a fantastic […]
NFHS FOR POPULATION SURVEILLANCE FOR CORONAVIRUS
Why in news? There have been proposals for the use of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) framework to ascertain the prevalence of COVID-19. It has been suggested that the scientific and logistical infrastructure of India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS) be leveraged to conduct a random sample-based population surveillance to track coronavirus. Used earlier […]
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 […]
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 […]