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Current Affairs [PDF] - March 16-31, 2020

follows
Phase 1: Travelers
It is first reported among the travelers entering the country. At this stage, the virus is to be controlled by
thermal screening and quarantine. In order to contain this, India has suspended visas, imposed travel bans,
suspended facilities such as visa free travel to OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card-holders.
Phase 2: Local
At this stage the virus spreads from the travelers to the local people through direct contact
Phase 3: Community Transmission
At this stage, the virus spreads among the people with no history of travel or with no direct contact with
infected persons.
India is containing Community Transmission of the virus by emphasizing social distancing, discouraging
public gathering, etc. The countries where community transmission has begun includes Italy, China and
South Korea.
Phase 4: Epidemic
Epidemic is a condition where the spread of the disease if more than the expected spread of disease.
ICMR to test for Community Transmission
Though, India is in Phase 2 of the COVID-19 transmission, the ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research) is
to test for community transmission. This is to be done by randomly testing volunteers.
Also, so far 1020 patients reporting influenza and pneumonia were tested for COVID-19 by the ICMR. The
samples have tested negative.
Budget Allocation to fight Corona: Odisha, Tamil Nadu allocated funds
The US Government recently allocated 100 billion USD to fight Corona Virus. Following the US, UK had
announced 400 billion USD to be allocated for Corona Virus.
Ranked the fifth largest economy in the world with a GDP of 2.94 trillion USD, overtaking UK, India is yet to
allocate funds for Corona Virus. However, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of working hard to
contain the spread of the disease. Also, GoI announced that the Rs 4 lakhs is to be provided to families of
the victims affected with Corona Virus.
Justification
The Government of India has still not allocated funds as the fiscal deficits are already high. The Union
Budget 2019-20 estimated the fiscal deficit to be Rs 7 lakh crore. Also, this year (2019-20) it is expected
that the tax collection is to fall short by Rs 2.5 lakh crore (1.2% of the GDP).
Rather, the Union Government has made the state disaster funds available by notifying COVID-19 virus
spread as “disaster”. By law, the State Disaster Response Funds can be used only for notified Disasters
under Disaster Management Act, 2005.
State Disaster Response Fund
The fund was constituted under Disaster Management Act, 2005. The fund was constituted based on the
recommendation of 13th Finance Commission. Every year, the GoI releases these funds based on the
recommendation of the Finance Commission. 75% of the funds are shared by the Centre for the states
under General Category. For the states under Special Category, 90% of the funds are contributed by the
State.
The Ministry of Home Affairs if the sole head in managing these funds. The National Disaster Response
Funds are supplemented when there is shortage in the funds allocated to the states.
Funds Allocated
Odisha became the first state in the country to allocated funds to fight against Corona Virus. The Odisha
State government has allocated Rs 200 crores to fight against the deadly disease. The Tamil Nadu

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