civil mentor

ASEAN Summit Context : Vietnam chaired the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit held online. The discussions pertained to the impact of Covid-19 on southeast Asia. Leaders from China, Japan and South Korea joined the summit. Key Points : ASEAN leaders have warned of the crippling…

World Bank forecasts FY21 India growth at 1.5-2.8 percent Context : The World Bank in its “South Asia Economic Focus report” said that India’s economy is expected to grow 1.5% to 2.8% in the 2020-21 fiscal year which started on 1 April…

MSP for MFP Context : TRIFED asks State Nodal Departments & Implementing Agencies to initiate procurement from available funds under ‘MSP for MFP scheme’. Significance: Such measures are necessary for mitigating the impact of lockdown on tribal communities. This will provide much…

Talks on Oil Cut Deal at G-20 Context : Recently, at G20 talks, top oil nations pushed to finalise a deal on oil cuts to lift prices slashed by the coronavirus crisis. Key Points : Measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus…

Bharat Padhe Online campaign Context : Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has launched the ‘Bharat Padhe Online’ campaign on 10 April in New Delhi. The campaign aimed for crowdsourcing of Ideas for Improving the Online Education ecosystem of India. Aim…

Bio fortified crops Context : Biofortified carrot variety developed by farmer scientist benefits local farmers. Details : The bio fortified crop- Madhuban Gajar was developed by Shri Vallabhhai Vasrambhai Marvaniya, a farmer scientist from Junagadh district, Gujarat. It contains high β-carotene and iron…

India Revokes Ban on Export of Hydroxychloroquine Context : Recently, India revoked its earlier ban on the export of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which is being used to treat Covid-19. Key Points : U.S. Pressure: The ban on HCQ was revoked by…

MPLADS suspended Context : The Union Cabinet has approved a 30% cut in the salaries of all Members of Parliament and a two-year suspension of the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme so that the amount saved can go to the Consolidated Fund…

Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) Context : As a part of Government’s continued efforts to contain spread of COVID 19, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modihas decided not to operate Members of…

India plans to deploy antibody tests for COVID-19 Context : The Union government okayed antibody tests for the novel coronavirus (covid-19) April 4, 2020. What is Antibody Test : Antibody tests mean analyzing a patient’s sample, generally blood sample, for the…