OMINOUS CONTRACTION: ON CORE SECTOR OUTPUT
Introduction The provisional figures released by the Commerce Ministry show that production at all but one of the eight industries comprising the core sector shrank in March from a year earlier. Details This is the sharpest contraction in the index since the new series began in April 2012. The output contracted by as much as […]
MARCH 2020 CORE SECTOR OUTPUT SLUMPS 6.5%
Why in news? The Output at India’s core sector contracted by 6.5% in March, Commerce Ministry data show, reflecting the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent nationwide lockdown. The index of eight core sector industries, which form 40% of the weight of items included in the broader Index of Industrial Production (IIP), […]
IFFCO IS PLAYING VITAL ROLE TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT
Why in news? IFFCO, a leading fertilizer cooperative body under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, is playing a vital role by helping Government to combat COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate the impact of the outbreak. Ministry has said that Fertilizer companies are already working with full capacity to supply adequate quantity of fertilizers to the […]
KVIC COMES TO THE RESCUE OF COCOON FARMERS
Why in news? Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), an autonomous body under Ministry of MSME, in collaboration with its Khadi Institutions (KIs) in Tamil Nadu has discharged its responsibility once again by purchasing cocoons from cocoon farmers. The main objectives of KVIC was to help the cocoon farmers struggling to sell their crop due […]
INAUGURATION OF THE SECOND INTEGRATED CHECK POST AT JOGBANI-BIRATNAGAR
Details: The Prime Minister of India will jointly inaugurate the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar tomorrow with Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri K.P. Oli. The second Integrated Check Post at Jogbani-Biratnagar is built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people’s movement across India-Nepal border.
DEATH BY FIREWORKS: VIOLATIONS OF RULES IN HAZARDOUS INDUSTRIES
Why in news? Unsafe working conditions and improper handling of inflammable raw materials continue to endanger lives in the fireworks industry. Tragedies have not been confined to Sivakasi, deemed the fireworks capital of the world, where most such units are concentrated. In and around Sivakasi, the manufacturing of firecrackers in makeshift unlicensed units, rough handling […]
WILL THE AVIATION INDUSTRY RECOVER FROM THE PANDEMIC?
Why in news? The aviation industry, like several other sectors, is facing a crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With travel restrictions, grounded fleets, benched staff, schedule uncertainties, ticket liabilities and cash burn, questions are being raised on whether the civil aviation sector can survive the epidemic. Crisis in the Indian Aviation Industry […]
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 […]
OIL UP OVER 2% ON OPEC CUT, STIMULI HOPES
Why in news? Oil prices jumped more than 4 per cent, up from multi-year lows hit earlier on 2nd March 2020, as hopes of a deeper cut in output by OPEC and stimulus from central banks countered worries about damage to demand from the coronavirus outbreak. The unprecedented disruption to economic activity in China has […]