TWO CSIR LABS START SEQUENCING NOVEL CORONAVIRUS
Why in news? India has shared nine whole genome sequences of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). Details: So far, 3,086 sequences of the virus isolated from humans have been shared by 57 countries. With 621, the U.S. has shared the most number of sequences, followed by the U.K. (350), Belgium (253) […]
RESEARCHERS FIND CELLS THAT MAY EXPLAIN LOSS OF SMELL IN COVID-19 PATIENTS
Why in news? Can a loss of smell be an early warning for a COVID-19 infection? Multiple reports have surfaced, primarily from Europe and the United States, from physicians and ear, nose and throat specialists, of COVID-19 patients complaining of an inability to smell — or anosmia. However, it is not clear whether neurons in […]
INDIA REVOKES BAN ON EXPORT OF HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE, OPPOSITION SLAMS
Why in news? The Government of India announced on 7th March 2020 that it had rescinded its earlier ban on the export of malaria drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), which is now being used in countries such as the U.S. as a possible line of treatment for COVID-19, setting off a controversy over whether the two-day old […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE COMBINATION ALLOWED
Why in news? The Union Health Ministry has allowed the use of Hydroxychloroquine in combination with Azithromycin under close monitoring for patients with severe disease and requiring ICU management as per the revised Guidelines on Clinical Management of COVID–19. Details Hydroxychloroquine was previously under testing and was allowed to be administered only to doctors and […]
‘THREE QUASI-SUBSPECIES OF VIRUS IN CIRCULATION’
Why in news? A mixture of three quasi-subspecies of SARS-CoV-2 is in circulation in India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on 31st March 2020. These imported variants showed no differences from how they behaved in the place of origin. Scientists are yet to classify a SARS-Cov-2 variant as an Indian strain. Explanation […]
TRIFED to launch a digital campaign
Why in news? To ensure tribal gatherers carry on their work safely, TRIFED has recently developed a digital communication strategy for promoting a digital campaign for Self Help Groups (SHGs) involved in this work. Details: UNICEF would provide the necessary support to be circulated to the SHG centers in the form of Digital Multimedia content […]