PANDEMIC
Visa applications in India surpass pre-pandemic volumes in first half of 2024
In the first half of 2024, visa applications in India surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time since COVID-19, exceeding H1 2019 volumes by 2%, with an 11% increase from the same period in 2023, according to VFS Global.
Job scenario improving but still not as good as pre-pandemic levels
In the first four months of this financial year, work completed under the MGNREGS scheme has surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 13 crore person-days, though employment remains below 2019-20 levels.
India-US together can ensure global peace, prosperity, stability: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
The defence minister enumerated the steps taken by the government to achieve 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence, including the notification of Positive Indigenisation Lists comprising over 5,000 items. He emphasised that the consistent efforts are being made to ensure that state-of-the-art defence items are manufactured on Indian soil by domestic companies.
Govind Mohan takes charge as Union home secretary
Senior IAS officer Govind Mohan has taken charge as the new Union home secretary, following the retirement of Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Mohan, previously the Union culture secretary, is noted for initiatives such as 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' and 'Har Ghar Tiranga movement'. His experience spans across various capacities in both Sikkim and the central government.
India to begin delayed census in Sept as Modi looks to plug data gaps, sources say
India is set to begin its long-delayed population census in September, aiming to complete the extensive survey in about 18 months. The census, initially scheduled for 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial for updating key statistical data that has been based on the 2011 census. The delay has drawn criticism for affecting the accuracy of economic data and government planning. The results, expected by March 2026, will provide updated insights for India's development strategies.
What is monkey pox? Has WHO declared it as a pandemic? Is it worse than covid?
Mpox Virus: Monkey pox was already gaining the world's attention and now the World Health Organization has declared this virus as a pandemic after cases were detected in remote parts of Pakistan. The Mpox outbreak 2024 could take a massive turn for the worse after three cases were observed by health officials in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Joe Biden's exit, talk of the glass ceiling, a civil rights hero. Takeaways from Day 1 of the DNC
The Democratic National Convention began its first night with speeches from Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. Hillary Clinton addressed the ongoing effort to elect a female president, highlighting the historic challenge of breaking the "glass ceiling." Joe Biden was slated to be the final speaker of the evening in Chicago on Monday night.
Busiest US ports absorb import surge nearing pandemic-era frenzy
Despite growing capacity constraints, port efficiency remained high, reflecting strong consumer demand and strategic stockpiling by businesses.
India Inc records worst quarter since Covid-19 pandemic, profits shrink 3.1%
Corporate India's profits in Q1 FY25 decreased by 3.1 per cent compared to the previous year, marking the worst first quarter since the pandemic. Net sales for 2,539 companies rose by 5.2 per cent to Rs 22.9 lakh crore. Total expenditure increased by 6.4 per cent, reaching Rs 19.6 lakh crore. Bank of Baroda's report highlighted a net profit of Rs 1.9 lakh crore. Despite challenges, some sectors like consumer durables and healthcare showed promising growth.
Now that mpox is a global health emergency, will it trigger another pandemic?
The World Health Organization has declared the mpox outbreaks in Africa, particularly in Congo, as a global emergency that requires urgent containment measures. Sweden reported its first case of a new form of the virus seen only in Africa. While the likelihood of widespread local outbreaks in Europe is low, imported cases are anticipated. Mpox spreads through close contact and is slower than COVID-19. Despite available vaccines and treatments, Congo struggles with insufficient resources, highlighting the need for global efforts to curb the virus's transmission and support affected regions.
Is another mega risk building up for global economy?
WHO declared mpox, a viral infection, a global health emergency following an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to Europe. This emergence presents added strain to the global economy already facing inflation and geopolitical tensions. WHO advises against stigmatizing affected regions and cautions against travel restrictions.
UK economy grows 0.6% in Q2 2024
Britain's economy expanded by 0.6% in the second quarter of 2024, aligning with predictions. The Bank of England increased its annual growth forecast to 1.25%, influenced by a strong start to the year. However, slower growth is expected in the latter half of the year. Prime Minister and Finance Minister have ambitious growth objectives.
UK unemployment, wages growth drop: official data
Britain's unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 4.2% in the second quarter, while wage growth slowed to 5.4%, the lowest in nearly two years. Analysts had expected a rise in unemployment. The decline in wage growth could influence the Bank of England's decision on future interest rate cuts, with inflation data due soon.
WHO warns: COVID-19 is making a comeback. Here's how to protect yourself
The World Health Organization warned of a surge in COVID-19 cases across 84 countries, with European test positivity rates surpassing 20%. The rise is unusual for summer, suggesting the virus still circulates. WHO urged vigilance, vaccination, and cautious practices to mitigate the risk.
Ahmedabad, Pune, Kolkata most affordable housing markets in India
House purchase affordability in India's top eight property markets remained stable in the first half of 2024, according to Knight Frank India’s Affordability Index. This stability is attributed to steady interest rates since the end of 2023. Ahmedabad was the most affordable city with an Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) to income ratio of 21% for an average household.
India & Vietnam adopt action plan for strategic ties
India and Vietnam enhanced their strategic relationship by signing an action plan to boost cooperation in multiple areas, such as maritime security, agriculture, and customs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the importance of development over expansionism in the Indo-Pacific region. Agreements worth $300 million were finalized to support Vietnam's maritime security. Modi's comments seemed to indirectly address China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed appreciation for Modi's condolences on former party leader Nguyen Phu Trong's death and acknowledged India's assistance during the Covid-19 crisis.
Embrace hybrid, and no, not just cars
The Covid pandemic spurred the rise of remote work, and now hybrid working is making a comeback, offering a balance between office and remote work. Many are embracing this shift, with job postings for remote or hybrid roles on the rise, indicating a changing mindset in India Inc towards flexible working arrangements that prioritise employee well-being and productivity over traditional office dogma.
El Nino of 1904-07 may have helped spread cholera in India, study finds
Researchers found that unusual weather patterns driven by the El Nino event from 1904-1907 may have facilitated the spread of a new cholera strain in India, resulting in a significant rise in fatalities. The study draws connections between climate conditions and cholera deaths during the early 20th-century pandemic in India.
Over 1800 disease outbreaks reported across country last year: Govt
A total of 1,862 disease outbreaks were reported to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme last year, with the highest number being reported from Kerala, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday. Kerala reported 253 outbreaks, followed by Karnataka with 223, Maharashtra with 208, and Madhya Pradesh with 140.
China makes surprise cut to key lending rate
China's central bank made an unexpected cut to a medium-term interest rate by the most in over four years to stimulate economic growth. This follows recent benchmark rate cuts and attempts to revive consumption and tackle high youth unemployment. Beijing targets five percent growth, but recent data shows slower recovery.
Fuelling India's ride to developed economy stop
The budget emphasizes growth alongside fiscal discipline, aiming to elevate India to a 'developed economy' by 2047 through sectors like manufacturing, services, agriculture, and startups. It sets a fiscal deficit target of 4.9% for FY25, reducing to 4.5% by FY26 to lower the cost of capital and attract long-term investments.
America is seeing both partisan animosity and lowered trust in social institutions: James Druckman
"The US has a written Constitution with many unspoken things — an example is the role of the Supreme Court which is very vague. Over time, people’s expectations of how politicians should behave have grown but there’s nothing legally binding about that. Even Congress respecting Supreme Court decisions or not allocating electoral districts to partisan advantage are norms we expect politicians to abide by — but there’s nothing illegal about not abiding.," says James Druckman.
UN says nearly 40 million people had HIV in 2023 -- and every minute someone died
UN report highlights challenges in the global fight against AIDS, with 40 million living with HIV and 9 million untreated. Progress has slowed, funding is shrinking, and new infections are rising in certain regions. Gender inequality exacerbates risks for women. Leaders urged to uphold promises and ensure resources for HIV response.
Economic Survey: India saw tech startups surge post Covid pandemic
Economic Survey highlighted, startups recognised by the government - more than 1.17 lakh as of December 2023 - have created over 12.42 lakh direct jobs in the country. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2023-24 in parliament on Monday. The top sectors for startups in 2023 were edtech (16%), enterprise tech (12%), BFSI (10%) among others.
Nipah Virus: Contact list of deceased boy updated, more tests being conducted
Kerala has expanded its contact list for Nipah virus risk to 350 individuals, with 101 classified as high-risk. Health Minister Veena George announced that tests are pending for 13 individuals, including the deceased 14-year-old boy's family, who have no symptoms but are being tested as a precaution. Surveillance teams are deployed in affected panchayats, and a team from ICMR is already on-site. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged public cooperation and caution regarding bat interactions and consumption of potentially contaminated food.
'Catastrophic event': A global pandemic-level threat has just emerged
A global Microsoft outage has caused disruptions in various sectors, leading to unexpected computer shutdowns and flight cancellations. Cybersecurity experts warn of a critical skills gap and predict a catastrophic cyber event within the next two years. The need to address the shortage of cybersecurity talent is highlighted, especially in key sectors like energy utilities. Geopolitical instability is reshaping the legal, regulatory, and technological environment, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among stakeholders. The World Economic Forum identifies cybersecurity failure as a top global threat, urging for security, resilience, and trust in the digital infrastructure.
Household Financial wealth still higher than the pre pandemic levels
A research paper by RBI economists has found that the net financial wealth (NFW) of Indian households is still higher than pre-pandemic levels, at 97% as of March 2023. The total household financial assets are estimated at Rs 363.8 lakh crore, equivalent to 135.0% of the GDP, while the outstanding liabilities amount to ₹101.8 lakh crore, accounting for 37.8% of GDP.
Pandemic spurs NRI investments in Indian vacation homes
NRIs are increasingly investing in Indian real estate for vacation homes, driven by pandemic-induced priorities. The market is booming with $13.1 billion spent in FY21, expected to rise to $14.9 billion in FY22. State incentives, tech advancements, and NRI confidence contribute to the sector's growth.
Spike in maritime shipping rates is no pandemic flashback
This round of supply-chain difficulties originates with the threat from Yemen’s Houthis, which is keeping container ships from using their normal route from Asia to Europe through the Suez Canal.
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