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 […]
VISAKHAPATNAM GAS LEAK
Why in news? Eleven people, including a six-year-old girl, died and over 350 were admitted to hospitals after styrene monomer gas leaked from a chemical plant belonging to LG Polymers at RR Venkatapuram in Visakhapatnam on 7th May 2020. Details and Case Registered The company was earlier called Hindustan Polymers. It was taken over by the […]
EU FORECASTS RECESSION OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management Why in news? The European Union predicted 6th May “a recession of historic proportions this year” due to the impact of the coronavirus. Details The 27-nation EU economy is predicted to contract by 7.5 per cent this year, before growing by about 6 per cent in 2021. With the spread slowing in […]
POOR FIND ACCESS TO ACCOUNTS HARD
Why in news? A survey of rural households in Six States cautioned that difficulty in accessing bank accounts meant that the impact of the benefits extended by the Central Government is more limited for the rural poor. The Benefits that Arrived Finance Ministry data showed that ₹34,800 crore has been transferred so far, from the […]
MADHYA PRADESH CAUGHT BETWEEN PANDEMIC AND PENURY
Why in news? The stringent lockdown imposed to curb the COVID-19 outbreak has had a crippling impact on the economy of Madhya Pradesh, where tax collection — SGST and IGST put together — dropped by close to 85% in April. Details Regarding GST arrears, the Centre has settled only part of the pendency for December […]