STUDY POINTS TO COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION
Why in news? There was evidence for community transmission — or instances of coronavirus (COVID-19) in patients who had no established contact with someone who had picked up the disease from abroad — from as early as March 22, suggests a research study in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, authored by several ICMR scientists. […]
AHMEDABAD ADOPTS SOUTH KOREAN MODEL
Why in news? The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has now adopted the South Korean model of enhanced testing to ascertain the scale of the epidemic in the city of 6.5 million people. Details Ahmedabad is battling to contain the spread of the pandemic with intensive surveillance and aggressive testing to detect the maximum number of […]
‘OPERATION SHIELD’ AT 21 LOCATIONS IN DELHI
Why in news? The Delhi government will carry out ‘Operation SHIELD’ at 21 locations identified as containment zones in the capital, Delhi Chief Minister said on 9th April 2020. What is Operation SHIELD? S-Sealing of the immediate area after geographical marking, H-Home quarantine of all in the area, I-Isolation and tracing of people who have been […]
INCREASE RATE IN COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES, PLASMA THERAPY IN KERALA, ODISHA LOCKDOWN
Why in news? The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on 9th April said the country has maintained a steady rate of COVID-19 positive cases — 3% to 5% over the past month and half — and has registered no significant increase in this trend so far. Kerala has won ICMR approval for the clinical protocol […]
POST LOCKDOWN, CII FOR PHASED REOPENING
Why in news? Amid talks over over extending the 21-day nationwide lockdown, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has suggested to the government to follow a phased reopening plan with sectors such as manufacturing and construction, that provide mass employment, re-started first Details: The CII also sought a fiscal support package for FY21 limited to […]
VIRUS HITS BOTH GENDERS EQUALLY, EXCEPT IN 2 NATIONS
Why in news? In a striking contrast with many countries, men in India more than women appear disproportionately likely to test positive for COVID- 19, an analysis of global data shows. This anomaly, experts told could be a statistical reflection of relatively low testing for the disease in India. Last week, the Health Ministry said […]
KERALA EXPERTS FOR 3-PHASED EASING OF CURBS
Why in news? An expert committee headed by former Chief Secretary K.M. Abraham has recommended a phased relaxation of the lockdown to contain COVID-19 for areas outside the seven hotspot districts in the State from April 15. What the Expert Committee said? It should be borne in mind that the phased withdrawal is sustainable only […]
FOCUS SHIFTS TO CONTACT TRACING, INFRASTRUCTURE
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management Why in news? With 32 deaths reported in the past 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry on 8th April 2020 said building hospital infrastructure, aggressive contact tracing and total enforcement of the lockdown with the help of people were the main focus now in the fight against COVID-19. Views of the […]
NOT POSSIBLE TO LIFT THE LOCKDOWN IN ONE GO, TASK FORCE FOR CONTINUING CURBS
Why in news? Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with parliamentary floor leaders of both Houses on April 8 said it didn’t seem possible that the countrywide lockdown can be lifted as per the original schedule of April 14, but added that he will consult the Chief Ministers before deciding the exit strategy. A […]
SPECIAL SESSION OF THE U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL LIKELY ON APRIL 9
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management, GS-II International Relations Why in news? India is gearing for diplomatic activities as the U.N. Security Council appears set for a special session over the COVID-19 pandemic. What is likely to happen? A special closed session of the UNSC is to be held as early as on April 9 when all […]