THE SPECTRE OF A POST-COVID-19 WORLD
Why in news? As COVID-19 spreads exponentially across the world, and the figures of those testing positive as also the numbers of deaths keep increasing in near-geometrical progression, profound uncertainty and extreme volatility are wreaking havoc of a kind seldom encountered previously. It might, hence, be wise to start thinking of what next, if at […]
SAFE FORESTS, SAFE PEOPLE: ZOONOTIC DISEASES
The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has brought into sharp focus the entry of pathogens originally found in wild animals into the humans In the recent years, the diseases of such nature that have raised alarm are: Ebola, HIV, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, bird flu and swine flu The origins […]
STILL NO BULLSEYE, IN VOLUME AND VALUE: ON DEFENCE EXPORTS AND DEFENCE IMPORTS
According to a report released by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) for the period between 2009-13 and 2014-18, Indian defence imports fell even as exports increased. This is good for a nation that has had the record of being one of the biggest importers of Defence equipment. 2 Factors responsible for this shift ‘Make […]
EXPLAINED: WHAT IS BEING SPRAYED ON MIGRANTS, AND IS IT SAFE?
In several places including Barreili of UP and Delhi, migrant workers travelling to their home states, or their belongings, were sprayed with a disinfectant, apparently to sanitise them. The chemical in the spray was a sodium hypochlorite solution. Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used as a bleaching agent, and also to sanitise swimming pools. Is the […]
ANALYSIS| HOW PANDEMICS HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD
Introduction to influence of Pandemics in history Pandemics have had great influence in shaping human society and politics throughout history. From the Justinian Plague of sixth century to the Spanish flu of last century, pandemics have triggered the collapse of empires, weakened pre-eminent powers and institutions, created social upheaval and brought down wars. Justinian Plague […]
DISINFECTANT TUNNELS CAN CAUSE HARM
Why in news? The use of a “disinfectant tunnel”, in which sodium hypochlorite is sprayed to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), may give a false sense of security and cause harmful side effects, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has said. The Punjab Health Department had, on April 13, issued […]
170 DISTRICTS IDENTIFIED AS HOTSPOTS: HEALTH MINISTRY
Why in news? Nearly one in five districts in India is a hotspot, the Health Ministry said on 15th April 2020, a day that saw at least 1,036 COVID-19 infections. The government said it had classified every district into a hotspot, potential hotspot or a green zone. Of India’s 736 districts, 170 were ‘hotspots’, defined […]
HDFC CHAIRMAN SUGGESTION: EASING 90-DAY NPA DEADLINE NORM
Why in news? HDFC Ltd. chairman has suggested a relaxation in non-performing assets (NPA) classification to a period of six months. He said, instead of 90 days, a loan should be classified as NPA if repayment is due for 180 days. He also suggested that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approve one-time restructuring of […]
WORLD ECONOMY TO CONTRACT BY 3% IMF
Why in news? The COVID-19 pandemic is having a “severe” effect on the world economy and is expected to cause a -3% change (i.e., a contraction) in global output in 2020, “much worse” than the 2008-09 financial crises, as per the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook (WEO). India’s growth is expected to dip […]
VIRUS INFECTIONS HAVE ‘CERTAINLY’ NOT PEAKED YET, WARNS WHO
Why in news? WHO told, 90% of cases of the overall outbreak, are from Europe and the U.S.A. So, we are certainly not seeing the peak yet. World Health Organization (WHO) The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. […]