REFORM OR FACE PERMANENT FUNDING CUTS, TRUMP TELLS WHO
Why in news? The U.S. President Donald Trump told the World Health Organization (WHO) that the U.S. will make permanent its funding cuts to the organisation and consider leaving it, if it did not commit to “major substantial reform” within the next 30 days. Background on Developments Mr. Trump had temporarily stopped the funding on […]
INDIA, U.S. TO COLLABORATE ON COVID-19 VACCINE TRIALS
Why in news? India and the U.S. plan to work together on vaccine research and testing for COVID-19. U.S. and Indian scientists have been collaborating on key research questions fostering the development and testing of safe, cost-effective vaccines against a range of infectious diseases that could save innumerable lives in India, the United States, and […]
UNODC: COVID-19 UNLIKELY TO AFFECT ILLICIT DRUG SUPPLY
Why in news? A report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says that Movement restrictions owing to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to an initial statistical reduction in drug seizures, but the Pandemic will not have a real change in terms of supply in the East and Southeast Asia region Details […]
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
When he visits India for the first time later in February 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump can expect thronging crowds in Gujarat and perhaps a substantive discussion on trade policy in New Delhi There will always be areas of untapped potential in bilateral cooperation, things could hardly be better between the two nations at this time of global turbulence, in trade […]
FIRST CALL
Sri Lanka’s new President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, visited India in November, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, after a five-day tour, visited India. Joint India-Japan proposal for the East Container Terminal at Colombo. Mahinda Rajapaksa has also discussed extending the $400-million Line of Credit and India’s further assistance for nationwide housing.
REFORM WHO
Why in news? With the 73rd World Health Assembly – the decision-making body of WHO- – taking place through Videoconferencing, the Covid-19 pandemic is taking centre stage. Call for Action: Investigate COVID-19 WHA is taking up a motion backed by more than 120 countries, including India, that calls for a “stepwise process of impartial, independent […]
USAID TO FUND 200 VENTILATORS FOR INDIA
Why in news? India would take delivery of 200 ventilators donated by the United States within the June, government sources said on 18th May 2020. The ventilators would be paid for by United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Details In a statement on April 16, the U.S. government said the funds through USAID would help […]
INDIA BUILDING ILLEGAL DEF POSTS IN AKSAI: CHINA
Why in news? Amid heightened confrontation in east Ladakh, Chinese state media claimed that India has built illegal defence facilities at Galwan Valley in the Aksai China region quoting anonymous military sources. Recent Events: Pinpricks Indian and Chinese forces clashing along the northern bank of the Pangong Tso Lake earlier in May 2020. India has […]
CALL FOR WHO PROBE INTO VIRUS ORIGIN
Why in news? An India-backed draft resolution at the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly received a big boost on 18th May 2020 when the African group of nations extended support for the motion which seeks global investigation into the spread of the novel coronavirus. The World Health Assembly convened in Geneva where the head […]
73RD WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY VIDEOCONFERENCE
Focus: GS-III International Relations, Prelims Why in news? The Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare participated in the 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) through Video Conference on 18th May 2020. World Health Organization (WHO) The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It is headquartered […]