Context: The Andhra Pradesh government has filed petitions in the Supreme Court and the High Court over the issue of the State Election Commission (SEC) postponing the local body elections citing the COVID-19 threat. What is the issue? The government, in its petition before the apex court, accused the SEC of not taking it into confidence while …
Context: The concept of ‘One Health’, which recognises that health of human beings is connected to health of animals and environment, is gaining importance as most of the contagious diseases affecting humans are zoonotic (animal to man origin) in nature. The concept of One Health can be effectively implemented for reducing incidence of emerging zoonotic threats like COVID-19. What is …
Context: Parliamentary committee’s observations on performance of the PM Ujjwala Yojana. Key observations: The government in September, 2019 met the target of eight crore LPG connections under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. But, only three States have become kerosene free. These include- Haryana, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh. Union Territories that have become kerosene-free are the Union Territories of Delhi, Chandigarh, Daman …
Context: The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has invited suggestions and feedback for simplification of the adoption process from all stakeholders, including prospective adoptive parents, specialized adoption agencies, child welfare committees, state adoption resource agencies and the general public. Adoption in India: In India, an Indian citizen or a non-resident Indian (NRI) can adopt a child under the …
Context: The government has approved a scheme for the amalgamation of 10 state-owned banks into four. After the process is complete, India will have 12 PSBs instead of 27 back in 2017. New mergers include: Punjab National Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India will combine to form the nation’s second-largest lender. Canara Bank and Syndicate …
Context: Under performance of National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed Persons. Just over 34,000 people have signed up so far. The Labour Ministry’s vision document in 2019 had set a target of 25 lakh enrolments for the scheme in 2019-2020. What is Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan Yojana? It is a voluntary and contribution based central …
Context: Under CSR initiative, Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India (SPMCIL) contributes Rs 1 crore towards the National Sports Development Fund. What is NSDF? Established in 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act 1890 and notified by Government of India in November, 1998. Purpose of creation is to impart momentum and flexibility to assisting the cause of sports. …
