[pib] PM launches distribution of e-property cards under SWAMITVA scheme

e-Property cards under SWAMITVA scheme The Prime Minister launched the distribution of e-property cards under the SWAMITVA scheme on National Panchayati Raj Day (24 April). 4.09 lakh property owners were given their e-property cards on this occasion, which also marked the rolling out of the SVAMITVA scheme for implementation across the country. Under the scheme,… Continue reading

Civil service reforms in India

The article highlights the role bureaucracy can play in the development of the country and suggests the ways to deal with the challenges faced by the bureaucracy. Background of the PSU’s In the 1950s and ’60s, the private sector had neither the capability to raise capital to take the country on the path of industrialisation.… Continue reading

Cybersecurity norms for payment services

What prompted RBI to take such step Following a series of data breaches faced by operators including Mobikwik and payment aggregator JusPay, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon issue cybersecurity norms for payment service providers (PSPs). On cyber frauds, Reserve Bank of India has issued very recently basic guidelines on cyber hygiene and… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise VARUNA-2021

Details of the exercise The 19th edition of the Indian and French Navy bilateral exercise ‘VARUNA-2021’ is scheduled to be conducted in the Arabian Sea from 25th to 27th April 2021. The exercise will see high tempo-naval operations at sea, including advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, intense fixed and rotary wing flying operations, tactical manoeuvres, surface and anti-air weapon… Continue reading

Understanding infections after Covid-19 vaccination

Breakthrough infections There have been several cases of Covid-19 vaccinated people, even those who have received both doses, testing positive for the virus. Such cases are referred to as “breakthrough” infections, indicating that the virus has been able to break through the defences created by the vaccine. Such cases have led to some doubts being expressed… Continue reading

Emergency use nod for Virafin

About the drug It is used in treating people with chronic hepatitis B and C. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted emergency use approval for pharma major Zydus Cadila’s antiviral drug ‘Virafin’, to treat moderate COVID-19 disease in adults. When administered early on during COVID, Virafin will help patients recover faster and avoid… Continue reading

RBI extends Ways and Means credit for States, UTs to Sept

About Ways and Means credit Simply put, it is a facility for both the Centre and states to borrow from the RBI. WMAs are temporary advances given by the RBI to the government to tide over any mismatch in receipts and payments. Section 17(5) of the RBI Act, 1934 authorises the central bank to lend… Continue reading

Centre to give 5 kg foodgrains free to poor

The Central Government announced that 5kg of free wheat or rice per monthwill be provided to around 80 crore people for the next two months, May and June. Major Highlights: This will be extended to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act(NFSA). Nearly 8 million tonnes of food grains will be distributed under this scheme.… Continue reading

Why single price of vaccine across the country is good idea

The article deals with the issues of different prices set for the Covid vaccine and its implications. Understanding the positive and negative externalities Vaccines have a positive externality; it is a good whose consumption benefits not just the one who has it. A vaccinated person is not only relatively protected against the disease himself/herself, but… Continue reading

[pib] Drone use permission for feasibility study of Covid-19 vaccine delivery

Conditional drone use exemption for vaccine delivery Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted conditional exemption to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The exemption is granted for conducting feasibility study of Covid-19 vaccine delivery using drones in collaboration with IIT Kanpur. The permission exemption is valid… Continue reading

Global Energy Review 2021 report

Initial estimates for 2020 energy demand and CO2 emission was released recently in an annual report Global Energy Review by International Energy Agency (IEA). The Global Energy Review is annual update on the latest trends in world energy and CO2 emissions. It covers all the main fuels and technologies, providing insights across regions, economies and… Continue reading

Task force in J&K under Article 311 to act against govt staff without probe

Why the task force The Jammu and Kashmir administration has set up a Special Task Force (STF) to initiate action against government employees suspected of activities against security of the State. The order has been passed under provisions of Article 311(2) (C) of the Constitution. The STF would be headed by the J&K Additional Director… Continue reading

Very few post-vaccine infections

Breakthrough infection ICMR said that a small fraction of those vaccinated with either Covaxin or Covishield have tested positive (i.e. breakthrough” infections). However, these instances do not undermine the efficacy of the vaccines. The immune response begins to develop usually two weeks after every dose and there are variations within individuals, too. Of the 9.3… Continue reading

Strengthening the process of choosing the police chief

The article suggests the need for reforms in the process of appointment to the police chief to ensure the political neutrality of the police. Process of appointing and removing police chief A crucial way in which governments exercise control over the State police is through their unregulated power to decide who the chief will be.… Continue reading

Fifth session of Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs

Fifth session of Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH)established under Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) inaugurated virtually on 20th April with a series of virtual sessions. The session will see nearly 300 experts from 50 countries taking part in the deliberations. About CCSCH: Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs was formed in 2013… Continue reading

Employee State Insurance Scheme and Employee Provident Fund

The idea of welfare state Covid reminds us that a modern state is a welfare state as governments worldwide launched 1,600 plus new social protection programmes in 2020. Sustainable social security lies in raising India’s 138th ranking in country per-capita GDP. However, on the social security schemes, there is a case for three reforms to our… Continue reading

Politics, geography and demography shape Naxal movement

The article explains the issues with the two common themes adopted for explaining the Naxal movement in India. Two approaches to explain Naxal movement 1) Root cause and alienation approach The recent attack in and around Tekulagudem village in Sukma district demonstrates the threat posed by Maoists. The post-incident analysis of such setbacks comes in… Continue reading

India retains 142 of 180 spot in World Press Freedom index

Where India stands on freedom of press India is ranked at 142 out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index 2021. India at142th position is same as last year, after it had consistently slid down from 133 in 2016. In the South Asian neighbourhood, Nepal is at 106, Sri Lanka at 127, Myanmar (before… Continue reading

When Aadhaar-related problems lead to denial of rations and benefits: what the data show

The Supreme Court recently asked the Centre to respond to allegations made in a Public Interest Litigation with respect to 3 crore ration cards being cancelled in the country because of the insistence on Aadhaar linkage and biometric authentication. Key Points About Aadhar Card: Aadhar Card is basically a biographic and biometric data of Indian… Continue reading

Sudarshan Sen Committee

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constituted a committee to evaluate the role of asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) in stressed debt resolution and review their business model. About the committee: It is a six-member committee that will be headed by Sudarshan Sen, former executive director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Mandate: To review the existing… Continue reading

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