22 Dec 2020: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

22 Dec 2020 CNA:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
HEALTH
1. House panel moots law to keep a check on private hospitals
C. GS 3 Related
ECONOMY
1. Suspension of Insolvency Bankruptcy Code extended till March 21
2. Markets plunge on the news of mutant virus
SPACE
1. Jupiter-Saturn conjunction
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
HEALTH
1. Virus variant
GOVERNANCE
1. Humans are still core to Digital India
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Nepal in turmoil
F. Prelims Facts
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

2. Markets plunge on the news of mutant virus

Context:

  • The news of the spread of the new strain of COVID-19 virus in the United Kingdom (UK) has caused a slump in the Indian equity markets.

Details:

  • The key benchmark indices in the Indian equity market slumped upon the news of a new strain in the COVID-19 virus.
  • The rupee too saw a slide against the dollar, standing currently at 73.79 against the dollar.

Mutation

  • The new variant, which UK scientists have named “VUI – 202012/01” includes a genetic mutation in the “spike” protein that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus uses to infect human cells.
  • Certain sections of the scientific community believe that these changes, in theory, could lead to a faster spread of COVID-19 between people.

Market reaction

  • The re-imposition of lockdown in the UK has sparked fears of another lockdown in India.
  • The National Stock Exchange (NSE) fell by 3.14%, declines were witnessed across several sectors like oil and gas, auto, banks, real estate, public sector stocks.
  • The market saw the worst single-day loss in more than seven months.

Conclusion

  • The news of a new strain in the UK has been the reason for the renewed pessimism in the Indian market and also the global markets.
  • This news has poured cold water on some of the optimism that was generated with the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Category: SPACE

1. Jupiter-Saturn conjunction

Context:

  • In a once-in-a-lifetime coming together, Jupiter and Saturn will cross within 0.1 degrees of each other (a fraction of the width of the full moon), overlapping to form a double planet.
  • December 21st witnessed Jupiter and Saturn appear closer in the Earth’s night sky than they have since 1226.

Details:

  • It is aptly described as a once-in-a-lifetime event and it has been termed as the ‘Great conjunction’ and the next occurrence of this event is estimated to be in the year 2080.
  • The two giant planets of the Solar System will lie a mere six arc minutes (0.1 degrees) apart, only one-fifth of the diameter of the Full Moon, when they become visible in the south-south-western sky or soon after sunset.
  • The planets were separated by just one-tenth of a degree, however, despite the appearance, they were still separated by a distance of 730 million kilometers.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

  1. In the light of the recommendations of the New Education Policy 2020, critically examine the role of foreign universities opening branches in Indian soil. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS 2, Education]
  2. Explain the role of intermediaries and their importance in delivering last mile governance. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS 2, Governance]

Read the previous CNA here.

22 Dec 2020 CNA:- Download PDF Here

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  1. 2nd January CNA not published?