March 2020 - Week 4 Current Affairs

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U s e f u l L i n k s

March 2020 - Week

4 Current Affairs

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NASA announces SUNRISE Mission

NASA announced Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SUNRISE) mission. The

mission is to study about how sun creates Giant Solar Particle Storms.

Highlights

Studying the solar storms, the mission aims to understand the working of the solar system.

The study will also aid future astronauts travelling to Mars and protect them from solar storms.

About the Mission

The mission is to deploy six CubeSats in Geosynchronous-orbit. The mission has come true

because of the success of DARPA High-Frequency Research and Mars Cube One

(MARCO).

Tasks assigned to SUNRISE

The Cubesats will use radio telescope to capture radio images of low-frequency emission

that are emitted from the sun. These will be sent to the earth through Deep Space Network.

Also, the Cubesats will create a 3D mapping to learn about location of giant particle that are

originated from the sun.

The mission is to study sun’s spectrum. This is important as sun’s spectrum cannot be studied

from the earth due to the ionosphere.

SEZs manufacturing essentials like pharmaceuticals, hospital

equipment are operational

Around 280 SEZ (Special Economic Zones) that are involved in manufacturing essential

goods such as pharmaceuticals, drugs and hospital equipment are operational amidst Lock

Down. These economic zones contribute 18% of the exports of the country.

Highlights

While addressing the ministers video conference of G20, the Union Minister Piyush Goyal

said that India has not reduced its pharmaceutical exports and other essentials of 190

countries. This was possible mainly because the SEZs are operational in the country.

Also, more than 1,900 IT units have been facilitated with their employees working from home.



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It is to be noted that in 2019-20 the exports from the SEZs have increased and has reached

110 billion USD.

Special Economic Zones

There are 7 SEZs operating under the Central Government and 12 operating under the state

government or private sector as of July 2019. These SEZs operate under Ministry of

Commerce and Industry. The states were permitted to operate SEZs under SEZ act, 2005.

The act defines key role of the state governments in export promotion.

Indian Railways offer 3.2 lakh isolation beds

The Indian Railways until 31 March, 2020 has modified 20,000 coaches to accommodate 3.2

lakh people. It is still working with 5,000 more coaches to add 80,000 more beds.

Highlights

The Indian Railway coaches have been converted into isolation wards to fulfil the isolated

quarantine requirements to treat COVID-19 patients. One single coach is expected to support

16 beds of isolation. The coaches will also have nurses cabins. Only non-AC coaches are

being converted into quarantine coaches.

There are around 18 railway zones in the country. Every zone will prepare separate

quarantine wards.

The trains became idle in the country after a 21-day lock down was announced by the Prime

Minister.

Other Measures

The Indian Railways has launched several measures to help fight against COVID-19. It

offered special parcel services to prevent the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies in the

country. The IRCTC provided free food to the migrant workers stranded on roads. The Central

Government Employees were allowed to use Railway hospitals.

“Stranded in India” Portal launched to help Foreign Tourists

Ministry of Tourism had launched “Stranded in India”, a portal aimed to support foreign

tourists.



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Highlights

The portal aims to disseminate information to the foreign tourists stuck far away from their

homeland amidst COVID-19 threats and Lock Down. The tourists can use the portal to learn

information about steps or measures being made by the Indian Government and the foreign

government to take them home safely. The portal also holds contact details through which

the stranded tourists can contact Ministry of Tourism. The Tourism ministry will help them

contact concerned authorities and will also ensure their well being.

Other Features

The website also holds contact details of list of officers that are appointed to assist the

stranded tourists. Every officer has been given charge of a country. Currently the service has

been extended to tourists from US, Spain, Italy, Japan, Russia, China and Latin America.

Slowly the service is to be extended to other countries as well.

Significance

This will help curb fake news that is being spread on social media. Recently the Indian High

Commission in the UK took it to Twitter to clarify that no evacuation flights are being arranged

for Indians in the UK. The fake news was spread through Whatsapp couple of days ago.

Extraordinary G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meet

On March 31, 2020, the “Extraordinary G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Virtual

Meet” was held through video conferencing. The Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

represented India at the meet.

Highlights

India had called for easy movement of health professionals and enhanced access to

affordable medicines across national borders. Amidst the threat of COVID-19, India is

supplying affordable medical products to nearly 190 countries in the world.

India urged the G20 countries to come up with G-20 Global Framework to improve access

to medicines. The framework should include diagnostic equipment, critical medicines, health

professionals and medical kits.

G-20



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A week back a G20 video conference was hosted by Saudi Arabia. As a member of the

grouping, India was represented by PM Modi. During the meet, the leaders pledged to infuse

5 trillion USD into the global economy. The idea was to reduce the impact of the global

recession in the world due to the increasing threats of COVID-19.

United Nations: India and China likely to stay away from Global

Recessions

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) made a new analysis

under the title “The COVID-19 Shock to Developing Countries”.

Highlights

The analysis says that leading exporting countries are to face drop in investments between

2 trillion USD and 3 trillion USD in the next two years. The world economy is to go into

recession in 2020-21 in spite of the G20 countries infusing 5 trillion USD. The predicted loss

of global economy this year is expected to be in trillion USD. In just two months since the

spread of the virus, developing countries have taken a huge hit in terms of currency

depreciation, capital outflows, falling commodity prices, losing export earnings, declining

tourist revenues.

India and China

The report also says that India and china are to stay out of these global recessions. However,

the report did not give proper explanation for the countries being out of the recession.

Recently, the ICRA, Moody’s and other leading market observers have predicted that the

growth rate of India is to decline. However, they did not bring out factors that might put India

in recession mode. This says that though India is to get affected economically by the virus,

the impacts are to be minimal as compared to other developing countries.

Study of Community Forest Resources by Ministry of Tribal Affairs

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently commissioned a study about Community Forest

resource Rights. According to the study, broad guidelines are needed to implement

Community Forest Rights.

Legislation

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights)

act, 2006, also called the FRA act defines the Community Forest resource Rights. The FRA



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also says that a village shall get its traditionally held forest land. It provides the Gram Sabhas

the right to protect, conserve and regenerate.

Suggestions provided by the Study

Apart from FRA act, 2006, the 73rd amendment of the constitution also empowers the Gram

Sabhas to govern community forests. However, there are no guidelines to implement

Community Forest Rights. The State Governments should create guidelines according the

locals and their traditions. It should also focus on capacity building of Gram Sabha members.

Micro-plans should be prepared so that the Gram Sabhas shall facilitate sustainable forest

management.

COVID-19: New Technology to Disinfect Maharashtra Hospitals under

“NIDHI PRAYAS” Programme

A new technology has been adopted by the Maharashtra hospitals in the fight of COVID-19

fight. The technology was developed by a Pune based Start Up.

What is the product?

The product developed is a Negative Ion Generator. It has been named “Scitech Airon”. It

helps to control bacteria, virus and fungal infections. The product disinfects areas that were

exposed to infections thereby it ensures well being of doctors, nurses and staffs in the

hospital. The product is highly useful in quarantine facilities. The Department of Science and

Technology has released Rs 1 crore to manufacture the product in a larger scale. Around

1,000 of them are to be produced soon.

The technology was developed under “NIDHI PRAYAS” programme of Department of

Science and Technology.

Rajasthan celebrates Statehood Day

Every year, Rajasthan celebrates its Statehood Day on March 30. Popularly known as “Land

of the Kings”, it is the largest Indian state in area. The day is also called “Rajasthan Day”.



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Highlights

This year, the state is silent due to the lock down in the country. Usually there are radiant and

invigorating events held all over the state. The state was earlier called ‘Rajputana’. It got its

recognition and its name as Rajasthan when it was formed on March 30, 1949.

How was Rajasthan formed?

Rajasthan was formed with the unification of states namely Kota, Tonk, Shahpura, Pratagarh,

Kishangarh, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Bundi and Banswara. The Maharana of Udaipur joined

Rajasthan after three days of its formation.

The State was formally inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on March 25, 1948. Later states

like Jaipur, Bikaner and Jodhpur merged to form Greater Rajasthan on March 30, 1949 with

the efforts of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. He inaugurated Greater Rajasthan on March 30,

1949 which is till date celebrated as the Statehood Day of Rajasthan.

Asian Development Bank to invest 100 million USD in NIIF

Asian Development Bank announced that it is to invest 100 million USD in National

Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). The investment during an economic slow down is

a great boost for the Indian Economy.

NIIF

The National Investment and Infrastructure Funds were set up in 2015. The main purpose of

the fund is to aid Greenfield and brownfield projects in the country. When an entity is to use

the benefits of the funds, the Indian Government invests 49% and the rest has to be raised

from third party investors.

The NIIF makes it mandatory that the funds shall be invested in the areas such as

transportation, energy, water, housing, waste management.

Major funds of NIIF

There are three major funds under NIIF. IT includes Master Fund, Fund of Funds and

Strategic Investment Fund

Master Fund

This is an infrastructure fund. These funds shall be used in core infrastructure sectors such

as ports, road, power, etc.



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Fund of funds

The fund of funds shall be used on affordable housing, green infrastructure and infrastructure

services. These funds are availed only to fund managers who have good track on

infrastructure projects

Strategic Investment Fund

This fund is registered under SEBI. These funds focus on green field and brown field

investments.

RBI and Finance Ministry to meet to decide on First Half Borrowing Plan

The Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India is to hold a meeting on March 31, 2020

to discuss about the first half borrowing plan for the year 2020-21. For the first time in Indian

history, the meeting is to be held through video conferencing.

The Plan

According to the Union Budget 2020-21, the GoI plans to borrow Rs 5.36 lakh crore rupees.

This is higher than last year borrowing which was Rs 4.99 lakh crore. With this, the gross

borrowing is to become Rs 7.8 trillion. GoI has planned repayment of loans at Rs 2.35 trillion.

India’s Debts

There are several components of debts of India. The borrowings are mainly accounted as

external debt of the country. The external debt of India as of December 2018 is 521 billion

USD. This includes money borrowed from international financial institutions, commercial

banks, IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, foreign governments, etc.

India’s debts are held in different currencies. 48.2% of the country’s debts are held in dollar,

4.6% as Japanese Yen, 5.7% as Special Drawing Rights, 3.2% in Euros.

Insurance Scheme for Health Care Workers fighting COVID-19

Government of India approved insurance scheme for health workers that are fighting against

Corona Virus. The Scheme was announced under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package

that was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman on March 26, 2020.

Key Features of the Scheme

Under the scheme, the health workers are to receive Rs 50 lakhs for 90 days of their service.

On the whole a total of 22.12 lakh public health care providers have been selected under the



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scheme. This includes workers that have direct contact with patients infected with COVID-

19. Also, it includes doctors, sanitation staff, paramedics, Asha workers and nurses.

ASHA Workers

ASHA workers are Accredited Social Health Activist. He or she is a community health worker

working under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. ASHA workers are a part of the National

Rural Health Mission that was launched in 2005.

IRDAI

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is also on the verge of

developing an insurance policy to cover COVID-19 infected patients at large.

NSTIs of Skill Development to be used as Quarantine Centres for COVID-

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Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has decided to convert National skill

Training Institutes (NSTI) into quarantine isolation facilities.

Highlights

Along with Quarantine Centres, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is to

provide 1 lakh personnel trained in healthcare skills to the Ministry of Health and Family

Welfare. These personnel were trained under Skill India Mission. Also, the ministry is to share

2,00 health care trainers and 500 health care assessors with the Health Ministry.

NSTI

National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) are run by the Directorate General of Training. It

operates under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. They train personnel

according to the current need of Government of India. This is based on the welfare schemes

or the sectors the government intends to develop in the recent times.

Skill India Mission

Skill India Mission was launched in 2015 by PM Modi. It aims to train more than 40 crore

people in different skills by 2022. The United Kingdom has entered into partnership with India

under the mission.

SANKALP (skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion

Programme) is one of the biggest initiatives of Skill India Mission. So far, GoI has invested

Rs 4,000 crores in the mission.



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Earth Hour: A Symbolic Movement of “Lights OFF” to save environment

Since 2007, every year million participate in the campaign called “Earth Hour” on March 28.

The event is organized by the World wide Fund

Highlights

The event was first started in Sydney, Australia. The main aim of the marking Earth Hour is

to call attention towards global warming, loss of biodiversity and climate change. During the

one-hour campaign, businesses and people all over the world switch off unnecessary lights

and electronic items between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

The Earth Hour is held ever year on the last Saturday of March.

Significance

Every year, the support for the Earth Hour is increasing. This year many have taken the event

to social media. This says that the awareness among people towards sustainability is

increasing. The event also brings people together. It also pushes to bring about legislative

changes including sustainable agriculture and renewable energy growth.

Turning OFF lights of major buildings of the world like Empire State, Eiffel Tower sends strong

messages.

Panel set up by PMO to mitigate COVID-19 and restore normalcy after

21 Days Lock Down

Prime Minister Office constituted a high-level panel to restore normalcy after 21 days of

normalcy. The high-level committee is to suggest measures to improve health-care, reduce

miseries and put the economy back on track.

Highlights

The committee is to work under the chairmanship of P K Mishra, principal secretary of the

Prime Minister. The committee will have separate task forces. Each group is to have 6

members. In all 20 secretaries and 40 other officials have been employed.

Economic Affairs

The “Economy and Welfare” panel will work under the Economic Affairs Secretary. The panel

has been tasked to bring out solutions to the issues caused in formal and informal sectors



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that are hit hard due to COVID-19. It will also suggest special welfare schemes targeting the

poor that has suffered a lot due to the virus

Health

Another working group has been constituted under the leadership of Niti Aayog member V K

Paul. The team is to suggest measures to keep the supply of medical equipment, medicines

continuous and also ensure hospital availability. It will also work towards increasing the

number o trained medical professionals.

They will also focus on research and development.

500 officials of TRIFED Van Dhan India unleash power of Webinars to

Work from Home

around 500 officials of TRIFED (The Tribal cooperative Marketing Development federation of

India) operating under Ministry of Tribal Affairs unleashed the power of Webinars.

Highlights

The Trifed Social Media team has reached 2.5 million people in three days. TRIFED Van

Dhan GIS based website gathered more than 50 lakh tribal gatherers spread across 27

different states. Through “Tech for Tribals” scheme that was recently launched in March

2020, around 3.5 lakh tribal entrepreneurs were gathered.

These steps are being taken to support the tribal gatherers who might face distress in sales

during these Lock Down times. The schemes being freshly launched should also earn their

trust. This shall be achieved only through continuous contacts and proven upliftment results

despite of the threats. This is being achieved by the TRIFED officials by working from home.

Significance

This shows that the Government of India activities to develop the Tribals are in full swing

despite the Lock Down in the country due to the threat of COVID-19.

TRIFED

The TRIFED has so far set up 1,205 Van Dhan Centres. Around 3 lakh and 70 thousand

tribals are employed through these centres. They will be greatly affected if not addressed

during Lock Down. There are plans to link these products to the E Commerce portals in the

country to keep their sales on. A separate portal has been suggested by TRIFED to help

Artisans and other tribal gatherers.



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India to get uninterrupted LPG supply from Saudi Arabia

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that Saudi Arabia has assured India on

uninterrupted LPG supply amidst growing threat of COVID-19.

LPG in India

India is the second largest importer of LPG in the world. It fulfils half of its requirements from

the middle east countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait.

LPG Imports of India

With Government of India promoting cleaner fuel, the usage of LPG in India has increased.

In the year 2018-19, the usage of LPG in the country increased by 6.9% as compared to the

previous year. In 2020, it increased by 6.7%. The imports increased by 15.9% as compared

to the earlier year.

In 2018-19, India consumed 24.9 million tonnes of LPG. The consumption has increased

greatly after the introduction of Ujjwala Programme.

LPG and Kerosene

With increased usage of LPG, the usage of Kerosene began to decrease. The sales of

Kerosene decreased by 10% in 2018-19. GoI is slowly trying to stop selling Kerosene as

domestic fuel. Kerosene is currently sold at subsidized rates in pubic distribution shops

operated by GoI.

Supreme Court Extends Deadline of Transition from BS IV to BS VI

With the Nation-wide Lock Down to contain the spread of Corona Virus, the Supreme Court

extended transition from BS IV to BS VI by 10 more days. Initially the deadline was March

31, 2020. However, the order does not apply to the National Capital Region.

Highlights

The order comes after the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association moved to the

Supreme court to relax the deadline to sell their stocks of BS IV vehicles. According to the

petition filed by the association, currently there are 7 lakhs unsold two wheelers, 12,000

commercial vehicles and 15,000 cars of BS IV standard.

BS VI Standard

The BS VI standard emits five times lesser than that of BS IV standard. The major upgrade

that is being brought in BS VI standard is in terms of fuel. A BS VI vehicle should use BS VI



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fuel. The BS VI fuel has five times lesser Sulphur. Also, the nitrogen oxide levels for BS VI

petrol and diesel engines are to be brought down by 70% and 25%.

The Bharat Stage Emission norms were brought in 2000 based on European Emission

standards. The standards are set by the Central Pollution Control Board.

GoI sets up PM-CARES Funds to fight against COVID-19

Prime Minister Modi announced PM-CARES Fund. The fund is being raised to deal with the

distress or emergency as that of COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights

PM-CARES is Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations fund.

It is a dedicated fund with the primary objective to deal with threats like COVID-19. A trust

has been created to collect these funds. Prime Minister of India is the Chairman of the trust.

The other members of the trust include Finance Minister, Home Minister and Defence

Minister.

Features of the Funds

Funds being donated to the PM-CARES trust is to be exempted from tax under Section 80(G)

of the Income Tax Act. The account of the fund is held by the State Bank of India.

PM National Relief Funds

The other funds that are in the hands of the Prime Minster include PM National Relief Funds.

He is the chairman of the fund. It was raised by the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

The PMNRF is used to support people affected by natural and man-made disasters. This

inludes acid attacks, accidents and riots. It is also allotted to people for kidney transplantation

treatments, heat, surgeries, etc. So far, the fund was extensively used during 2013

Uttarakhand floods, 2014 Assam Violence, 2015 Tamil Nadu Floods, 2015 Madhya Pradesh

explosion.

Access to “SWAYAM”, National Online Education Platform has tripled

Ministry of HRD (Human Resources Department) announced that the access to the National

Online Education Platform called the SWAYAM has tripled since Lock Down.



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Highlights

The Ministry of HRD has been trying to make sure the students can continue their education

from home during the lockdown. The response has been overwhelming according to the

ministry.

SWAYAM

SWAYAM is Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds. It was launched in

2014. The main aim of the online platform is to provide best quality education to around 3

crore students in the country. The SWAYAM MOOCs aims to address the needs of school

level students studying 9th to 12th and to the post graduate students.

There are nine national coordinators operating SWAYAM. They are AICTE, UGC, NCERT,

NPTEL, CEC, IGNOU, NIOS, NITTTR and IIMB. The platform provides self-assessment tests

as well.

SWAYAM was developed by Ministry of HRD with the help of IIT Madras and NPTEL and

Google.

Project Arunank running in full swing in China border despite of COVID-19

The Border Road Organization (BRO) is working in full swing to completely replace the

Daporijo bridge. The bridge os the only line of communication to 451 villages located in the

China border. Also, the BRO is engaged in snow clearance of Manali-Leh axis to provide

relief to Ladakh and Lahaul valley.

Project Arunank

The Project Arunank is being implemented by BRO in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The

project aims at linking remote regions of the borders with well developed strategic roads.

Daporijo Bridge

The Daporijo bridge is being constructed across the Subansiri river. The bridge was

completely rusted and was a serious threat to the commuters.

The bridge is being constructed under voluntary approach of Project Arunank authorities.

They are empowered to take such patriotic initiatives under the Army Act, 1950 and Army

rules 1954.



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Subansiri River

The Subansiri river runs in the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It is the largest

tributary of Brahmaputra river.

India-Japan sign Rs 15,295 crores rail project

JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency), a funding agency of the Japanese

Government signed an agreement with GoI for 3 mega rail infrastructure projects. The project

cost has been estimated as Rs 15,295 crores

Highlights

According to the agreements, Rs 8,553 crores have been granted by the JICA for phase I of

the Dedicated Freight Corridors to be constructed in India. Also, JICA has granted Rs 4,262

crores for the Mumbai-Trans Harbour link project. Around Rs 2,480 crores have been granted

for the Mumbai Metro Line Project.

Significance

The dedicated freight corridor aims at fulfilling the increased freight transport demand in the

country. It will act as a backbone for the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor development plan.

All the three projects focus on Mumbai as the population in the metropolitan city has

increased. Also, several industries have come up in the region. This will also help in reducing

pollution levels in the city.

What are DMF Funds that are to be used by the states to combat COVID-

19?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman recently instructed the state governments to use DMF

(District Mineral Foundation) funds to fight against COVID-19. This is being done to

supplement medical facilities that will help fight against Corona Virus.

What are DMF Funds?

The District Mineral Foundation is a non-profit body. It was set up in those districts that were

affected by mining works. The Foundation works towards the benefit and interest of the

persons affected due to the mining activity. The Funds are allocated according to the rules of

MMDR act.



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Legislation

The DMF funds were set up under Section 9B of Mines and Minerals (Development and

Regulation) MMDR amendment act. The act says that every mine holder has to contribute

10% of their loyalty towards the funds.

Pradhan Mantri Khanij Khsetra Kalyana Yojana

The DMF funds are used to implement the scheme. The scheme focuses on safeguarding

environment, health and economic conditions of the tribal people. This is because, most of

the productive mines in the country are located in the tribal areas.

DMF Funds

The DMF funds so far were used for drinking water supply, health care, environment

preservation, women welfare, education, sanitation and skill development.

Indian Army launches “Operation Namaste” to combat COVID-19

Indian Army launched “Operation Namaste” to contain the spread of Corona Virus in the

country. Under the operation, the army will help the Government of India fight against the

deadly disease.

Highlights

Under the operation, Indian Army has established 8 quarantine so far. Also, Command wise

help line numbers have been established. Facilities for the families of the army men have

been arranged to visit nearest camps in case of emergency while they are away serving the

country.

Army has also issued guidelines for army men to keep themselves safe as it is difficult to

maintain social distancing due to operational and tactical reasons.

Contingency Plan

The Indian Army has also prepared a Contingency plan at a six-hour notice. This includes 45

isolated bed facilities, 10 ICU beds and mobilization of medical teams on call. The plan has

been prepared after analyzing the spread and containment of the virus in other countries.

India begins antibody tests for Corona Virus

India is all set to begin antibody tests to confirm if a person was previously infected with the

virus. This will help understand the epidemiology of Covid-19.



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Highlights

It is a serological test that looks for antibodies in the blood. The test is different from the

current methodologies that use nasal or throat swabs to determine active infection. The test

can be used in contact tracing and learn about the source of infection of the person.

About the test

The test determines if the person had viral infections based on the presence of antibodies in

their blood. The antibody test is not a confirmatory test. However, it is a test for the purpose

of surveillance. It helps to generate data about number of people that got exposed to the

virus.

Role of ICMR

So far, ICMR has conducted tests on random samples and no community transmission has

begun in India. However, experts believe that there are possibilities for India to enter into

community transmission stage.

Mo Jeeban Programme

The “Mo Jeeban Programme” was launched by the Odisha Government to contain the spread

of COVID-19. The programme was launched by the Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Highlights

‘Mo Jeeban’ means ‘My Life’. The State Government through the programme appeals to the

people to stay indoors. The programme urges the working population to take an oath in name

of their children and parents to cooperate and support by not stepping outside. It also raises

awareness of washing hands at least for 20 seconds.

Other Measures

The Odisha Government has allocated Rs 200 crores to fight against the virus. Currently

there are more than 80,000 people who have returned from abroad in Odisha. These people

have been instructed to stay under home quarantine for 14 days.

The Odisha Government has also launched 2 separate hospitals under PPP model. Currently

the number of people infected with COVID-19 in Odisha is 3 and in India is around 700.



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RBI: Cuts repo rate to 4.4%; CRR to 3%; 3-month moratorium allowed

on all loans

Reserve Bank of India announced series of measures to counter economic slowdown caused

due to COVID-19. The Central bank advanced its Monetary Policy Committee meet due to

COVID-19 pandemic. This was the 7th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement of the RBI for

the financial year 2019-20.

The RBI measures introduced is to inject Rs 3.74 lakh core into the Indian Economy

according to the RBI Governor.

Highlights

While India has locked down its economic activity, the main objective of RBI is to keep finance

flowing.

The repo rate was cut by 75 basis points (bps) to 4.4%, reverse repo rate was cut by 90 bps

to 4%. RBI rules banks and other institutions to provide a three-month moratorium on all

loans.

Other Key Decisions

The Cash Reserve Ratio was cut by 100 bps to 3% of NTDL (Net Time and Demand

Liabilities). The Cash Reserve Ratio is the minimum fraction of the customer deposit that a

bank can hold.

The investments are to be classified as Held To Maturity. RBI is to introduce Net Stable

Funding Ratio between April and October, 2020. It is the ratio between amount of stable

funding available to the amount of stable funding required.

Global Coal Production falls for the 4th Consecutive Year

According to a survey, in 2019, the global coal power plant development declined for the

fourth consecutive year. A total of 13 GW of capacity construction delayed due to Corona

Virus.

Highlights

The survey was conducted by the Global Energy Monitor, Sierra Club, Greenpeace

international and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.



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Key Findings of the survey

The annual survey says that 15 major plants have been delayed so far due to supply chain

and labour force issues. The new coal plant developers are facing increased difficulties all

over the world as restrictions come from banks and insurers.

However, China’s approval of production has increased.

China

Between March 1 and March 18, 2020, China has approved more coal power (6.6 GW). In

2019, China had approved 6.3 GW of coal-based production. The number of coal based

power plants entering into operation has increased in China since 2018 according to the

survey. On the other hand, the global coal fleet is shrinking.

United Nations: 25 million jobs to be lost due to COVID-19 impact

The United Nations has estimated that around 25 million jobs are to be lost due to the COVID-

19 impacts.

Highlights

The organization reported that the economic and human lockdown is bringing in on a global

economic break down. Around 3.3 million Americans have applied for unemployment

benefits. Italy, one of the most affected countries has shut down most of its industries.

Italy

Italy is the third largest economy in the continent of Europe. It is the major exporter of textiles,

machinery and has now become the first developed country to become idle.

Other Developments

Saudi Arabia has gone into a complete lock down including the holy cities Mecca and Medina.

The Brazilian Governors defied President Jair Bolsonaro’s order to reopen schools and

businesses. Brazil has so far accounted 2,500 deaths due to the disease.

Current Scenario

In India, the count has touched 694 and, in the world, it has become 486,702. With the world

entering towards complete lock down, China is reopening its industries and normalizing lives.

G20 Summit: 5 trillion USD to be injected to fight against COVID-19



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G20 video summit was chaired by the Saudi king Salman. As a member of G20, India was

represented by PM Modi. At the summit, the leaders pledged to infuse 5 trillion USD into the

global economy.

Highlights

The summit was first of its kind with the leaders attending through video conferencing. At the

summit, the leaders committed themselves to restore global health. With the global economic

rate slowing down, the 5 trillion USD is to be used to counteract social and economic impacts.

The finance minsters and central bank governors of the G20 countries are to coordinate and

develop an action plan.

Solutions

The members are to work on a transparent, coordinated and science based global response.

The manufacturing capacity of medical supplies are to be increased to make sure they are

available at affordable prices.

The grouping requested the World Health Organization to address the gaps in order to align

the priorities in global preparedness.

G20 Summit

The G20 Summit was to be held under the leadership of Saudi Arabia in November 21-22,

2020. Saudi has chosen the theme

Theme: Realizing Opportunities of the 21st Century for all

The three key agenda that are to be addressed under the theme include

Creating a condition to empower people, especially women and youth, tio live, thrive and

work.

To safeguard the planet, foster collective efforts to protect global commons

To shape new frontiers and adopt a long-term bold strategy

This video summit was organized to take quick actions to against COVID-19 and its global

economic impacts.

Election Ink allowed to stamp Corona Patients



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The Election Commission recently allowed the use of Election ink for stamping “home

quarantined” on infected or symptomatic patients. The Corona Virus infected patients are to

be stamped on hands. The ink is also called indelible ink, election ink, phosphoric ink,

electoral ink.

Election Ink

The ink is semi-permanent. It is used during elections to prevent the fraud of double voting.

Election ink uses silver nitrate and hence excessive exposure to the ink causes argyria. The

ink was first used in 1962 elections.

More the concentration of silver nitrate in the ink, longer it stays on the skin. It gets warded

away only after new skin cells are formed.

What is Home Quarantine?

Quarantine is a latin word. It means 40 days. During old times, ships that were suspected to

have germs or disease causing pathogens spread all over were put in the sea away from the

port for 40 days. This was first brought up in Britain. Britain adopted the method especially

when there was plague spread all over.

COVID-19: International Monetary Fund launches Government Policy

Tracker

The International Monetary Fund recently launched the “IMF Policy Tracker”. The platform

will provide all the key economic responses launched by Governments all over the world to

fight against Corona Virus.

Highlights

Currently, the virus has spread to almost all parts of the world and the measures taken by

the Governments to tackle the situation might become inadequate. The platform thus will help

fill in gaps and learn from each other’s experience. It will also help governments adopt

successful innovate approaches implemented on other parts of the world.

Significance

The tracker is to be updated based on the press release of the IMF Communication

Department.



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Key Features of the Tracker

The tracker will summarize key economic measures taken by the governments in different

parts of the world. The tracker claims that it cannot be used for comparisons of measures in

different countries. Rather, the tracker is to be used to learn the adaptations. This is because,

policy responses vary based on the nature of the crisis.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana launched to fight COVID-19

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman launched Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana. The

scheme is an economic help package for people in the country to fight against COVID-19

and its effects. Around 1.7 lakh crore has been allocated under the package.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana

Under the scheme, around 80 crore people are to get 5 kg of free rice and wheat for the next

three months. This is additional to the already allotted 5 kg of subsidized rice and wheat.

Along with this, they will also get 1 kg of free pulses per household. The scheme will provide

insurance cover for doctors, sanitation workers, nurses, paramedics and other staffs working

on the front line in the fight against the virus.

The scheme is to perform a direct benefit transfer of Rs 1000 to old age, Divyangs and

pensioners. This will benefit 3 crore people.

Apart from this, the funds allocated are to be spread across several other government

schemes

Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana

The scheme is to offer free cylinders under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Scheme. This will

benefit around 8.3 crore Below Poverty Line Families.

MNREGA

The economic package has increased daily wages of MNREGA from Rs 182 to Rs 202. This

is to benefit 5 crore workers.

During Lock Down, when people are to stay indoors, the workers will not be able to work

under MNREGA scheme. Then why include MNREGA? It is to be noted that GoI has now

included sanitation workers under MNREGA scheme. And sanitation workers are to work full

time and their salaries have been doubled as well. Also, they are to get Rs 2000 extra perks

for a period of three months. The inclusion of the sanitation workers under MNREGA had

been made when GoI introduced Phase II of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.



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Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

Under the scheme, women account holders will receive Rs 500 per month for the next three

months. Under this step, around 20 crore account holders are to be benefitted.

Sunil Chhetri, Indian Football team Captain named for FIFA’s COVID-19

Campaign

The World Governing body FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association or

International Federation of Association Football) has selected Indian Football Captain Sunil

Chhetri among 28 other stars for its campaign. The campaign is to combat COVID-19.

Highlights

The FIFA has joined hands with the World Health Organization to launch an awareness

campaign to combat Corona Virus. The campaign is to call people all over the world to stop

the spread of the disease.

Campaign

The campaign is called “Pass the message to kick out Corona Virus”. The campaign is to

spread five key steps that are in line with WHO guidance. It includes hand washing, not

touching the face, coughing etiquette, physical distance and staying home.

The campaign is to be conducted in video format in 13 different languages. Apart from Sunil,

it also includes other best players from the world such as Argentine Lionel Messi and other

world cup winners Casillas, Philip Lahm and Cales Puyol.

“Stay Home India with Books” initiative launched by GoI

National Book Trust functioning under Ministry of Human Resources and Development

launched Stay Home India with Books initiative. Under the initiative more than 100 books can

be downloaded from the NBT website.

Highlights

With Lock Down ruled by GoI to contain the spread of Corona Virus, the Ministry of HRD has

uploaded more than 100 books in the NBT website to help people spend quality time during

holidays. According to the ministry, majority of the books uploaded are children books. Apart



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from these, the other books include activity-based learning science, women scientists in

India, Gandhi: Warrior of Non-Violence and many more.

The books uploaded are of different Indian languages. It includes English, Hindi, Marathi,

Gujarati, Telugu, Kokborok, Bodo, Mizo, Tamil, Nepali, Kannada, Urudu, Malayalam, Telugu,

etc.

National Book Trust

The National Book Trust was founded in 1957. The trust activities include publishing,

promotion of Indian books, children literature, etc.

Census 2021 and NPR updation postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

The GoI had planned to conduct Census 2021 in two phases. The first phase was scheduled

between April-September 2020 and the second phase was scheduled in February 2021. Also,

the updation of NPR has also been postponed due to the spread of Corona Virus.

National Population Register

The NPR updation was scheduled to be conducted along with Census 2021. It is to be

conducted by the office of Registrar General of India operating under Ministry of Home Affairs.

Assam was the only state that was to be kept out of the NPR process as updation of the

register for the state of Assam was done under National Register of Citizens.

Background

The data for NPR was first collected in 2010 along with Census 2011. The data was further

updated in 2015 under a door-to-door survey. The NPR collects biometric and demographic

data. The Biometric data is to be updated through Aadhar details. This is the first time NPR

is collecting biometric data. Earlier in 2010, only demographic details were collected. Later in

2015, the data was updated with Aadhaar, ration card numbers and mobile numbers.

Recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks approved by Union Cabinet

The Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of PM Modi on March 25, 2020, approved the

recapitalization of regional rural banks (RRB) to improve the capital to risk weighted assets

ratio.

Highlights

The Committee approved the continuation of recapitalization of RRBs. In order to achieve

this the GoI has provided a minimum regulatory capital for another, 2020-21. The



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recapitalization funds are being allocated to those banks that are unable to maintain minimum

CRAR (Capital to Risk weighted Assets Ratio) of 9%. The CRAR for a bank is fixed by RBI.

Benefits

An improved CRAR will help the rural banks to meet their credit requirements in rural areas.

The RRBs should allocate 75% of their credit to priority sector lending. The RRBs focus on

small and marginal farmers, micro and small enterprises, weaker sections of the society and

rural artisans

Scheme of Recapitalization

The Scheme of Recapitalization of RRBs was launched in 2011. It was launched on the

recommendation of Dr K C Chakrabarty Committee.

Union Cabinet approves extra supply of subsidized Food Grains to Ration

Shops

Union Cabinet approved extra supply of food grains via rations shops. The monthly quota of

subsidized food grains is to be increased from 2 kg to 7 kg. The step has been taken to help

people during the lock down.

Highlights

The GoI has decided to provide 7 kg of food grains per person during the lock down. This will

benefit more than 80 crore people in the country. Also, the food grains are to be provided at

subsidized rates. The cost of wheat was Rs 27 per kg and is now to be sold at Rs 2 per kg.

The cost of rice is about Rs 32 per kg and is to be sold at Rs 3 per kg. Currently, GoI is

providing food grains at subsidized rates under National Food Security Act.

National Food Security Act

The act aims to provide nutritional security. It provides coverage up to 75% of rural population

and 50% of urban population.

GoI develops new biofortified high protein wheat variety

The scientists of Agharkar Research Institute (Pune), operating under Department of Science

and Technology (DST) have developed biofortified high quality wheat. The new variety is

MACS 4028



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Highlights

The new wheat variety has 14.7% better nutritional quality, 40.3 ppm of iron content and high

milling quality. The new variety is semi-dwarf and matures in 102 days. Also, it has high

yielding ability of 19.3 quintals per hectare.

Role of UNICEF

The MACS 4028 was supported by UNICEF funds to alleviate malnutrition in India. Now the

new wheat variety will help boost Vision 2022 of India which is, “Kuposhan Mukt Bharat”

(National Nutrition Strategy).

Significance

The Indian Council of Medical Research has been constantly making efforts to develop high-

yielding, early mature, drought-tolerant, disease resistant varieties. MAC 4028 is an outcome

of those initiatives. The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley research operating under ICMR

has launched All India coordinated Wheat and Barley improvement programme to develop

more such varieties.



Documents

March 2020 - Week 4 Current Affairs