The effectiveness of the Social Security Code (SS Code) 2020 in helping the informal workforce is questioned by many. With SS Code 2020, two other codes were passed which are Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020 and Industrial Relations Code, 2020. The SS Code 2020 subsumes nine regulations relating to social security, retirement and …

International Museum Day is observed on 18th May every year to raise awareness among people about the museums. 2021 Theme: The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine. Important points: The Day was instituted in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) ICOM is a membership association and a non-governmental organisation which establishes professional and ethical standards for museum activities. …

Indian security agencies in the past two years checked the antecedents of more than 9,000 Indians who wanted to enrol for the US’ Global Entry Program. The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is being used for antecedent verification. Important points: Global Entry is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows speedy clearance for …

The Electoral Bonds worth Rs. 695.34 crore were sold during elections to the Assemblies of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala. The amount sold was the highest-ever for any Assembly elections since the scheme started in 2018. Important points: Electoral Bond is a financial instrument for making donations to political parties. The bonds are issued …

Recently, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MTA) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to support the digital transformation of schools such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and Ashram Schools, among others under the Ministry. It is aimed at building an inclusive, skills-based economy. Important points: Artificial Intelligence curriculum will be made available to tribal students …

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has witnessed speed and progress in various schemes under the Ministry of Rural Development. Important points: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005: The scheme was introduced as a social measure that guarantees “the right to work”. The Ministry of Rural Development monitors the entire implementation …

Recently, the Telangana government has selected 16 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) for pilot testing the ambitious ‘Medicine from the sky’, the first-of- its-kind project. Important points: The project involves delivery of medicines through multiple drones. The project is being launched following the approval granted by the Civil Aviation Ministry. The Ministry has granted conditional exemption to the …

India has been a major exporter of healthcare workers to developed nations particularly to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Europe and other English-speaking countries. This Brain Drain in the health sector is part of the reason for the current shortage in nurses and doctors. Important points: Brain drain is a term indicating substantial emigration or migration of …

Recently, Cyclone Tauktae made landfall in Gujarat. The cyclone has left a trail of destruction as it swept through the coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. Important points: It is a tropical cyclone, named by Myanmar. It means ‘gecko’, a highly vocal lizard, in the Burmese language. Typically, tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region (Bay …

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a framework for setting up a spot gold exchange. The spot exchange is where financial instruments, such as commodities, currencies, and securities, are traded for immediate delivery. SEBI is a statutory body established in April, 1992 in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, …