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GS 2
Ordinance to curb Ponzi schemes gets nod
The proposed ordinance will tackle the menace of illicit deposit-taking activities launched by rapacious operators, who at present are exploiting regulatory gaps and lack of strict administrative measures to dupe poor and gullible people of their hard-earned savings, an official statement said.
Govt. provides more for mid-day meal costs
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday approved the revision of norms under the Mid Day Meal Scheme with an outlay of ₹12,054 crore for 2019-20, in addition to the subsidy of about ₹8,000 crore borne by Department of Food & Public Distribution.
Centre launches panic button on mobiles
The government on Tuesday launched the panic button feature on mobile phones for safety of women and other emergency services across 16 States and Mumbai.
The Saudi-India-Pakistan triangle
In the context of this strategic and economic nexus between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, it will be unwise for New Delhi to seriously believe that it will be able to wean Saudi Arabia away from Pakistan.
The importance of being humane
Custodial death, when not ‘natural’, is the extreme end-point of custodial torture. The death penalty, notwithstanding ‘due process’, is a close kin to this lawless and heartless game.
PM, Saudi Crown Prince to discuss cross-border terror
In a special gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday received Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport here, signifying the importance India attaches to the visit by the leader of the powerful Gulf nation.
Fiji to maintain China-India balance
Both India and China are important partners of Fiji and the island nation will continue to strengthen ties with the two Asian giants, its High Commissioner to India Yogesh Punja has said.
France to propose ban on JeM chief
In a significant development, France will move a proposal at the United Nations in a “couple of days” to ban Masood Azhar, chief of the United Nations-proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror strike that left 40 CRPF personnel dead, French sources said on Tuesday.
GS 3
Cabinet approves new National Electronics Policy
The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the National Electronics Policy 2019 aimed at achieving a turnover of $400 billion (about ₹26 lakh crore) for the electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) sector by 2025, while generating employment opportunities for one crore people.
7 islands in Andamans, Lakshadweep identified for seaplane operations
Four islands in the Andamans and three in Lakshadweep have been identified for seaplane operations, while private sector participation has been invited for tourism-based projects, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday.
Standard mediclaim policy on the cards, guidelines to be framed
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set in motion the process of formulating guidelines for a Standard Health Product that it wants all general and health insurance companies to offer.
More than 4 lakh children are inhalant addicts: survey
Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Chattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh have emerged front runners in alcohol abuse and health complications arising due to the addition, according to a survey conducted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi.
A system for sharing the RBI’s surpluses with the Centre must be quickly institutionalised
A viable financial mechanism must be evolved to remove pollutants in power plants
Cabinet approves Phase II of rooftop solar programme
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved Phase-II of the Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme that aims to achieve a cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from rooftop solar projects by 2022.
New Universe map unveils 3,00,000 more galaxies
LOFAR telescope detects light sources that optical instruments cannot find
