U.S. COULD BECOME VIRUS EPICENTRE: WHO
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management Why in news? The World Health Organisation said on 24th March 2020, that the U.S. could become the global epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said there had been a “very large acceleration” in infections in the U.S. Current Scenario of Epicenter Britain joined the ranks of countries […]
TOKYO OLYMPICS MOVED TO 2021 OVER VIRUS SCARE
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management, Prelims Why in news? The 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been postponed to be held before the summer of 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, the International Olympic Committee announced on 24th March 2020. The Games were scheduled for July 24-August 9, but after telephone discussions between IOC president […]
SCIENTISTS IDENTIFY DRUG CANDIDATES AGAINST VIRUS
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology, Disaster Management Why in news? Nearly 70 drugs and experimental compounds may be effective in treating the coronavirus, a team of researchers reported on 22nd March 2020 night. Some of the medications are already used to treat other diseases, and repurposing them to treat Covid-19, the illness caused by the […]
PANDEMIC IS ACCELERATING, SAYS WHO
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management Why in news? The new COVID-19 pandemic is clearly “accelerating”, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on 23rd March 2020, but said it was still possible to change its trajectory by going on the attack. What the WHO had to say? The number of officially recorded cases is believed to represent […]
‘CURFEW-LIKE’ RESTRICTIONS ENFORCED ACROSS STATE
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management Why in news? Scaling up the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Karnataka government on 23rd March 2020, enforced “curfew-like” restrictions across the State from 24th March 2020, and will be in force till March 31 2020. Details All public and private transport including Uber, Ola and autos […]
LESSONS FROM ITALY FOR THE COVID-19-WRACKED WORLD
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management Why in news? On March 20, Italy reported 5,900-odd fresh cases and 627 deaths, the highest daily tally of mortality reported from anywhere in the world. ‘Age’ Factor in Europe? Europe, after the tumult of two World Wars, had embarked on the road to recovery through mutual cooperation, exemplified by the […]
ISOLATION IS INDIA’S BEST WEAPON: ICMR
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management, Science and Technology Why in news? Isolation, and not indiscriminate testing, is the only way India can limit the spread of COVID-19: Director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on 22nd March 2020. What ICMR Director General had to say? A lockdown is the most important step in breaking transmission […]
COVID-19 IS A NEW ANIMAL IN THE ZOO
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology, Disaster Management Why in news? Co-chair of the Empowered Committee for COVID-19 Response, India, Dr. V.K. Paul said the changed circumstances of the spread of the disease called for a revised testing strategy and marshalling all resources to contain the pandemic. He also indicated that India is close to rolling […]
80 DISTRICTS GO INTO LOCKDOWN TO CONTAIN SPREAD OF VIRUS
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management Why in news? All train, metro and inter-State transport services across the country were suspended on Sunday till March 31 as the death toll from COVID-19 rose to seven nationwide, and the number of confirmed cases stood at 396. Unprecedented restrictions were imposed in 80 districts across 17 States and five […]
NO COUNTRY IS DOING ENOUGH TO PROTECT CHILDREN’S HEALTH, FINDS STUDY
Why in news? No single country is adequately protecting children’s health, their environment and their future, according to a recently released report by a Commission of more than 40 child and adolescent health experts from around the world. The Commission was convened by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and The Lancet Country wise comparison […]