NO VIOLATION OF AIR SPACE AT PANGONG TSO LAKE: IAF
Why in news? Helicopters of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) came close to the border during the face-off with the Indian Army near Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh. As per existing agreements between India and China, operation of fighter aircraft and armed helicopters is restricted to a distance from the LAC. According to […]
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 […]
MANDIS LINKED TO E-NAM SEE 65% RISE
Why in news? COVID-19 has given a boost to e-NAM, the national digital platform for agricultural trade, with the number of connected mandis, or wholesale markets, up 65% since the lockdown, according to Agriculture Ministry data. The Centre recognised the potential of e-NAM in overcoming some of the hurdles of the lockdown, and introduced some […]
ENZYME MAKES MEN VULNERABLE TO COVID
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology, Prelims Why in news? Being male is a significant risk factor for COVID-19 regardless of age, according to a new study. Why are Males at a higher risk? The Study identified higher concentrations of a key enzyme in men’s blood as the reason for the increased risk of death they […]
BOND YIELDS RISE AS GOVT. EXPANDS BORROWING PLAN
Why in news? The yield on the most-traded 10-year government bond spiked 20 bps (basis points) on 11th May 2020, after the government announced it would increase its market borrowings by more than ₹4 lakh crore for FY21. Intraday, yield rose 27 bps, the sharpest intraday surge since February 2017. As per the new revised FY21 […]
NO INCREASE IN LEASE RENT OF SEZ UNITS
Why in news? The government on 11th May said the lease rent for units in the government-owned Special Economic Zones (SEZs) will not be increased for 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This move which will provide relief to these facilities in SEZ. Details The commerce and industry ministry said that after consulting the proposal with […]
RIGHT TO RELIGION: SUPREME COURT EXPLAINS
Why in news? A nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court declared that superior courts enjoy untrammeled power to take up any cause to do complete justice – three months ago, decided to go ahead and examine “larger issues” of religious freedom across multiple faiths in connection with the Sabarimala review. Background: Entry of women Supreme Court’s original […]
INDIA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPPED: CMIE
Why in news? India’s unemployment rate dropped to 23.97% on May 10 from 27.11% on May 3, as the government lifted some curbs on economic activity, including farming, after a month-long lockdown. Unemployment Rate Survey results: Urban The urban jobless rate, on the other hand, declined more modestly, underlining the fact that cities are still […]
CENTRE PLANS TO CHECK CHINESE FPI FLOWS
Why in news? After foreign direct investment (FDI), the government is now looking to clamp down on unbridled access of Chinese portfolio investors into the Indian market as it seeks to plug a possible loophole that investors from across the border can use to acquire shares in listed domestic companies. Details The department of economic […]
CLASHES IN LADAKH & SIKKIM
Why in news? The Border tensions between India and China have flared up once again with at least two incidents of violent clashes and stone-pelting taking place between rival troops in Ladakh and Sikkim. Details The clash in eastern Ladakh, in particular, led both India and China to send additional troop reinforcements to the border […]