GS3 – Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Vaccine Procurement: Government unveils roadmap for the supply of Covid-19 vaccines.
Amid a crippling shortage of vaccines, the government has said that it has been in talks with global suppliers – Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for supply of vaccines to India.
Right now, India is relying on Serum’s Covishield and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. Recently, Russia’s Sputnik V made inroads to India.
Recently, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) floated a tender for procurement of vaccines from global players.
However, the pharma companies have said that they could open discussions only in Q3 of 2021. Following is the status of vaccines:
Related topics: Vaccine Nationalism, Vaccine hesitancy in India.
GS1: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.
Cyclonic storm Taukate:
IMD has issued an alert for the storm which may hit western coast of the country.
An active spell of rainfall is expected over parts of Maharashtra, especially the coastal belt of Konkan. As a result, IMD has issued a yellow alert for Mumbai and Thane districts.
Cyclones formed in Arabian sea are usually weaker than those formed in Bay of Bengal as colder temperature of Arabian sea waters discourages intensification of cyclones. However, global warming might change these trends in future and make storms originating in Arabian sea stronger.
Related topics: Increasing incidences of cyclonic storms in India, factors that lead to cyclone formation (NCERT).
GS2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Paraguay National Day: India is a true friend of Paraguay
Spotlight on Paraguay
- One of World’s leading food producers and exporters.
- World’s biggest renewable energy supplier.
- Biggest exporter of natural sugar.
- Agriculture is the primary driver of its economy.
Related topics: India’s interest in Latin America, Location of Paraguay on map, Developmental model of Paraguay.
GS3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
India retains its position as the highest recipient of remittance, received $83 billion.
The drop in remittances is just 0.2% in spite of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic playing havoc on a global scale. China has retained its 2nd position at $59.5 billion.
Remittances play a crucial role in driving India’s economy. The higher amount of remittance also indicates that Indian diaspora has not forgotten its roots in times of crisis.
Related topics: NRI and OCI status, Schemes for Foreign investment