AMID LOCKDOWN, HUNTERS EYE RHINO HORNS
Why in news? The COVID-19 lockdown has activated poachers who had been forced into lying low for more than a year. At least six thwarted attempts have been made within a week in and around Assam’s national parks. The lockdown has inadvertently made it easier for the poachers by thinning the ranks of the network […]
ICMR SUGGESTS TESTING OF POOLED SAMPLES
Why in news? Stating that the number of COVID-19 cases in India is registering a rise, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now advising the feasibility of using pooled samples for molecular testing of COVID-19. ICMR has said that, for India, it is critical to increase the numbers of tests conducted by laboratories. […]
RETAIL INFLATION EASES TO 5.91%
Why in news? Retail inflation dropped to 5.91% in March from the 6.58% in February, mostly on a drop in food prices, according to the Consumer Price Index data released by the National Statistical Office on 13th April 2020. Details Food inflation fell to 8.76% in March, in comparison with the 10.81% in February. Vegetable […]
WATER FROM GANGA, YAMUNA BEING TESTED
Why in news? The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) — the arm of the Water Ministry tasked with directing the ₹20,000 crore clean-up of the Ganga — and the Central Pollution Control Board are expected to find out if the lockdown had a measurable impact on the water quality of the Ganga and Yamuna, […]
MGNREGA JOBS CRASH TO 1% OF NORMAL
Why in news? Employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has collapsed to just over 1% of the usual rate in April, due to the COVID-19 lockdown. How many are affected? Data from the MGNREGA website show that less than 1.9 lakh families have been provided work under the scheme so […]
CENTRE MAY RAISE LOAN TO PAY GST DUES TO STATES
Why in news? The Union government is exploring raising a loan to pay the shortfall of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation amount to States as the latter have had to ramp up spending to combat the outbreak of COVID-19. Details The idea has been circulated and since the GST Act prohibits withdrawal of […]
STIMULUS MUST PRECEDE LIFTING OF LOCKDOWN
Why in news? The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has said that before the lockdown is lifted, adequate notice should be given and an economic package announced. Views of the CII The principle should be that we look at opening up in concentric circles around the red zones. The radiating heat map should turn from […]
RESUME INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY IN 15 SECTORS: DPIIT
Why in news? The Commerce and Industries Ministry has called for far-reaching measures to be taken to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, urging the Home Ministry to allow relaxations of the restrictions on a number of industry sectors. Recommendations Industrial activity be restarted in at least 15 sectors, including heavy electricals, electronics and […]
GOVERNMENT SLOW TO ABSORB LOCKDOWN IMPACT ON THE POOR
Why in news? A response filed to a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) status report in the Supreme Court accused the Centre of being slow to absorb the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the poor. Why was such an accusation made? Kerala and Maharashtra have 72% of the total number of relief camps in […]
BRACING FOR A RAPID SURGE IN CASES, SAYS GOVERNMENT
Why in news? With the nationwide death toll from COVID-19 touching 273 and the number of positive cases reaching 8,447 on Sunday, the Union Health Ministry said India is preparing for a possible exponential surge in cases. Details Amid demands for ramping up health surveillance, the Centre said it is expanding the COVID-19 testing capacity […]