Synopsis: The European Union has presented a declaration to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that overlooks the goals of India and South Africa’s combined request for an intellectual property (IP) waiver on Covid-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Introduction Despite the fact that the waiver idea has the support of over 100 countries, the EU has been opposing… Continue reading Covid-19 vaccines: EU ignores India, S Africa’s patent waiver plea at WTO
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
Green Tariff Policy
Source- Live Mint Syllabus – GS 2 – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Synopsis- The green tariff policy will enable DISCOMs to supply clean electricity to consumer. Introduction- India is working on a green tariff policy and soon launches guidelines enabling power… Continue reading Green Tariff Policy
UN-backed COVAX Programme
Source- Business Standard Syllabus- GS 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health. Synopsis- The COVAX program struggled with its ambitious promise of providing global access to COVID-19 vaccines. What is COVAX? The COVAX program is organized by the vaccine alliance GAVI, WHO and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations… Continue reading UN-backed COVAX Programme
Bt Cotton adoption in Punjab has resulted in net economic, environmental benefits: Study
Context: Bt cotton’s positive and negative impacts, a recent study titled ‘Long-term impact of Bt cotton: An empirical evidence from North India’ has said its adoption in Punjab in the past over a decade has resulted in net economic and environmental benefits. Bt Cotton in India Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton has been commercially grown in India for the past 19 years. The Genetic… Continue reading Bt Cotton adoption in Punjab has resulted in net economic, environmental benefits: Study
Corpses did not add to Ganga pollution: Centre
Do corpses increase pollution level in Ganga? Context: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) informed that the Floating bodies are not the reason for pollution in Ganga. About the study: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has received a complaint from a citizen. He alleged that the disposal of bodies in and around the river would not only pollute the river… Continue reading Corpses did not add to Ganga pollution: Centre
Social media is a distraction, undeserving of so much sound and fury
Context: Recently, government withdrew Twitter’s safe harbour status, and In the Parliament standing committee on IT, Members of parliament reportedly “grilled” Twitter officials. Author argues that too much attention is being given to Twitter. Why government shouldn’t focus too much on Twitter? Source of fake and unverified info: Twitter is a chaotic echo chamber, which is not a source of verified information. Twitter and social… Continue reading Social media is a distraction, undeserving of so much sound and fury
What is Hallmarking
Synopsis: What are the impacts of new RBI rules that mandates to sell only hallmarked gold jewelry and artefacts. What is hallmarking? Hall marking is a certification of purity. it is given by hallmarking centers (AHCs) accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It assures that the quality of Gold is of same quality as promised by the jeweler. Hall marking… Continue reading What is Hallmarking
Covid 2.0 has sparked a complex interplay of consumption trends
Context: How the businesses should adjust themselves to the changing reality posed by Covid19. Changing Consumer Behaviour Covid 2.0 has highlighted three important trends with respect to Consumer behavior and market strategies. Rising duality in consumption trends. On one hand, consumers are moving away from the brand consciousness and are increasingly preferring for indigenous brands with organic ingredients. … Continue reading Covid 2.0 has sparked a complex interplay of consumption trends
Preferential Treatment
Context: PNB Housing has filed an appeal before the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) against a letter issued to it by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). SEBI had asked PNB Housing to keep its resolution (for the preferential issue of equity shares and warrants to the Carlyle Group and others) on hold until valuation of the shares is carried out by… Continue reading Preferential Treatment
Surveys on learning losses by month end, panel told
Context: Recently the House panel on education discusses COVID-19 impact on education and syllabus reforms. About the discussions: Surveys: A survey of Classes 8-12 in centrally run schools last August showed that 80-90% of students were dependent on mobiles rather than laptops for digital schooling. Around 30% of students were affected by electricity supply disruptions. States… Continue reading Surveys on learning losses by month end, panel told
