GS-III

The Union Health Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the type-2 polio virus contamination detected in the vials used for immunisation in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana, and has ordered additional immunisation in three States. The government, which has stepped-up surveillance after the breach, has said, “That all possible precautions …

Vietnam has seized around a tonne of pangolin scales and ivory hidden inside dozens of boxes on a flight from Nigeria, State media reported, a haul highlighting the illegal wildlife trade routes connecting Africa and Southeast Asia. Source  : https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/vietnam-seizes-nearly-a-ton-of-pangolin-scales-ivory/article25091998.ece

The breakthrough came after 18 months of trials at the University of Pretoria Watching the two little lion cubs play with each other at a conservation centre outside of South Africa’s capital Pretoria, it is hard to see anything out of the ordinary. But these cubs are unique. “These are …

Reward for tip-offs on GST evasion on the anvil The revenue department is planning to come out with a ‘GST informant reward scheme’ to check tax evasion by unscrupulous traders and businesses, an official said. It will be on the lines of similar schemes for excise and service tax, which …

Insurance regulator IRDAI has allowed the distribution of all micro-insurance products through point-of-sales (PoS), with an aim to further increase insurance penetration in the country. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has created a special category of insurance policies called micro-insurance policies to promote insurance coverage among …

U.S. was top export destination with $47.9 bn worth of shipments in the last fiscal India’s exports hold a promising outlook with the U.S. economy growing at its best in four years, coupled with the rupee depreciation leading to enhanced net revenue realisations, according to a report by Assocham. The …

The potential for cooperation between India and Israel in plantation sectors such as tea and coffee is high, said Shai Mosses, Israel Consul for Trade and Economic Affairs. Speaking at a conference organised by the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI), Mr. Mosses said there were many collaborations happening …

Banks with robust financials, strong liability franchise, control on asset quality will continue to do well Non-banking financial companies are going through growth de-rating and are expected to remain volatile in the near future, says Dhiraj Relli , managing director and chief executive officer, HDFC Securities. Investors are also cautious …

Around three centuries ago, India’s share of the global economy was about 25%. Today, it has dwindled to single digits. During this period, India missed three waves of industrialisation: Industry 1.0, driven by mechanisation, steam power and weaving loom; Industry 2.0, driven by mass production and assembly line; and Industry …

More exports, price stability, clearance of dues on wish list As the Indian sugar sector steps into a new season, it looks forward to more exports, price stability in the domestic market, and clearance of cane arrears to farmers. The problems the industry confronts today are many, and stem mainly …