DRDO DEVELOPS BIO SUIT, SEALANT FOR SAFETY GEAR
Why in news? In a major breakthrough, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a special sealant as an alternative to seam sealing tape which is critical in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). A bio suit was also developed to keep medical and other personnel engaged in combating COVID-19 safe from the deadly virus, […]
DOCTORS WARY OF BCG VACCINE STUDY
Why in news? Doctors and scientists in India have expressed caution on a study, which argues that countries that have deployed the BCG-tuberculosis vaccine in their immunisation programmes have seen fewer deaths from coronavirus (COVID-19). What the Study showed? Note: The study, that hasn’t been peer-reviewed, but is available for public scrutiny. The Study argues […]
KARNATAKA MOVES SC AGAINST KERALA HC ORDER TO LIFT BORDER CURBS
Why in news? Karnataka on 2nd April 2020 challenged in the Supreme Court a Kerala High Court order on April 1 to remove the road blockade at the inter-State border to facilitate flow of vehicles carrying essential items and patients in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. Karnataka’s Petition The border had been sealed to […]
VIRUS CASES DOUBLE IN INDIA IN FIVE DAYS, GEOFENCING APP TO HELP QUARANTINE
Why in news? The number of COVID-19 cases in India has doubled in the past week, with 328 more cases and 12 deaths reported on April 2. According to the Union Health Ministry, the tally now stands at 2,069 cases, with 53 deaths and 155 cured of the novel coronavirus infection. The Health Ministry said […]
PM ASKS STATES TO SUGGEST PLAN FOR STAGGERED END TO LOCKDOWN
Why in news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at his second video conference with Chief Ministers on 2nd April 2020 told them that it was “important to formulate a common exit strategy to ensure staggered re-emergence of the population once the lockdown ends.” He asked the States to brainstorm and send suggestions for the exit strategy. […]
PETRO-PRICES HIKED AS BS-VI FUEL KICKS IN
Why in news? Even as prices of international crude have dropped to the lowest in the last 18 years since 2002, state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) have increased the price of sensitive petroleum products like petrol and diesel in most Indian cities. The Central government had announced that from April 1, 2020, all vehicles sold […]
RBI RELAXES EXPORT RULES, ALLOWS STATES AND UTS TO BORROW MORE
Why in news? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced more measures to fight economic disruptions caused by COVID-19, including extension of the realisation period of export proceeds and allowing States to borrow more. Details of the Extension of Export Proceeds realisation period In view of the disruption caused by the pandemic, the time […]
WORLD COULD FACE A FOOD CRISIS: UN, WTO
Why in news? The heads of three global agencies warned on 1st April of the risk of a worldwide “food shortage” if authorities fail to manage the ongoing COVID-19 crisis properly. Concerns Regarding Food Shortage Many governments around the world have put their populations on lockdown causing severe slow-downs in international trade and food supply […]
DRDO TO MAKE FIVE-LAYER MASKS AND MODIFY VENTILATORS
Why in news? The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) develops five layer N99 masks with two layers of nano mesh. The DRDO has developed a ventilator and is working with the industry to produce 5,000 of them per month to treat COVID-19 patients. Details The DRDO developed a ventilator along with the Society for […]
INDIA SEES A SHARP SPIKE IN COVID-19 INFECTIONS
Why in news? India reported three deaths and over 370 new cases on April 1 — the highest-ever single-day increase in its COVID-19 tally. An official of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said 47,951 tests had been conducted so far, including 861 by private laboratories, and 126 ICMR laboratories were involved in testing. […]