Top News: 25 June, 2020
Here is the summary of top news of 25 June, 2020 in major News Papers of India.
Rajasthan to launch ‘Indira Rasoi Yojana’
Rajasthan government will launch Indira Rasoi Yojana to provide meals twice a day for poor at a concessional rate. This was announced by the Chief Minister Ashok Ghelot during the virtual launch of a state-level COVID-19 awareness programme. The rate of the meals under this scheme is yet to be finalised. This scheme is similar to ‘Annapurna Rasoi Yojana’ that expired on 31st March last year.
UNICEF: additional 120 million children in South Asia could be pushed to poverty due to COVID-19
A new UNICEF report ‘Lives Upended – How COVID-19 threatens the futures of 600 million South Asian Children’ estimated that an additional 120 million children could be pushed into poverty due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic, taking the total number to 360 million. This report encompasses 8 South Asian countries – Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
FAO predicts breeding of locusts in Rajasthan this monsoon
Ahead of monsoon rains in Rajasthan, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned that the desert locusts, which have proceeded east, would return to the state to mature and lay eggs while successive waves of swarms will arrive from southern Iran and the Horn of Africa in the coming weeks. These insects normally live and breed in semi-arid or desert region, conditions that are found in Rajasthan.
Only 6% ventilators under PM CARES fund manufactured
Only 6 per cent of the total 50,000 ‘Made in India’ ventilators under PM CARES fund were manufactured so far. The delay in production and supply of ventilators is due to the shortage in supply of necessary components and need to import those that are not manufactured in India. The domestic manufacturers are also concerned about the quality of the components supplied by top Indian manufacturers.
India asks Pakistan High Commission to reduce its strength to 50%
India has asked Pakistan to reduce the strength of its High Commission in New Delhi by 50%. It also said that it would do the same at its own mission in Islamabad. The last time such incident happened was when the two High Commissions reduced staff to 50% in December 2001 following the terrorist attack on Parliament.
IN-SPACe set up to promote private participation in space sector
The Union Cabinet recently announced the formation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to promote the participation of private industries in space activities, including planetary exploration missions. The Centre stated that the IN-SPACe would provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure and guide them through favourable policies and regulations.
Russia reiterates support for India’s bid for permanent seat at UNSC
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in a RIC (Russia, India and China) meeting, announced that Moscow supports India’s candidacy as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This announcement came when foreign ministers of Russia, India and China discussed reforms of the United Nations during the trilateral virtual meeting. The UNSC permanent members are the US, the UK, Russia, China and France.
More than 1,500 cooperative banks under RBI supervision
The Centre announced the approval to a decision to bring 1,540 cooperative banks, which has nearly Rs.5 lakh crore worth of deposits from 8 crore lakh account holders, under the purview of the Reserve Bank of India. The apex bank will offer protection to depositors and ensure reduction in the scope for mismanagement in these banks. This is done after the government issued ordinance to amend the Banking Regulation Act.
IMF slashes India’s growth forecast by 4.5% for 2020
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected India’s economic growth to contract by 4.5% in 2020. This is due to coronavirus-led lockdown and its resulting economic impact. However, the Fund also stated that India would bounce back in 2021 with a 6 per cent growth rate. This is 1.4% less than its April prediction.
Indian Armed Forces contingent participates in Victory Day Parade
Russia recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of victory of the then Soviet people in the Second World War. Indian Armed Forces contingent participated in the Victory Day Parade at Red Square, Moscow. The tri-service contingent comprised of 75 all ranks and marched along with the contingents of Russia and 17 other countries, including China.
Union Health Minister releases TB report 2020 virtually
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has recently launched annual TB Report 2020 at a virtual event. According to this report, over 24 lakh TB patients have been notified last year. This is a 14% increase in TB notification when compared to 2018. The minister also released a Joint Monitoring Mission report, a manual on Direct Benefit Transfer for TB patients under NIKSHAY system, a Training Module and the quarterly newletter, NIKSHAY Patrika.
India to contribute $10 million to UNRWA
Indian government announced its intention to contribute $10 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East over the next two years. This year, India has already disbursed $2 million and will soon be remitting the balance $3 million. India also provides 250 annual scholarships to Palestinian youth and officials, apart from regular customised training programmes.
World’s first yoga university outside India launched
The world’s first yoga university outside India, Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU), has been launched in Los Angeles, United States. It offers programme that combine science and modern research to the ancient practice of yoga. It was jointly launched by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on External Affairs P P Chaudhary during a virtual event held at the Consulate General of India in New York.
Centre announces infrastructure fund for setting up dairy, poultry and meat processing units
The Union Cabinet, which was headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a new Rs.15,000 crore infrastructure fund to provide interest subvention of up to 3% to private players for setting up dairy, poultry and meat processing units. The fund intends to boost milk production, exports and create 35 lakh jobs in the country. It is a part of the Rs.20 lakh crore economic package that aims to reduce economic impact of COVID-19.
NGT directs CPCB to recover fine from Railways for its failure to curb air pollution
The National Green Tribunal has directed the Central Pollution Control Board to recover a fine of Rs.71.62 lakh from Northern Railways as it failed to mitigate air pollution around the Shakurbasti railway station. This is based on a report by an expert committee that stated that the Northern Railway has not taken proper action to implement pollution control measures and health test for workers involved in handling cement.
