GOVT. MULLS LOCKDOWN EXTENSION AMID REQUESTS FROM THE STATES
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management Why in news? The Union government on 7th April 2020, indicated that it was actively considering an extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown that began on March 25 and due to end on April 14 as many States have openly appealed for its continuation in the face of rise in COVID-19 […]
UNGA ADOPTS RESOLUTION CALLING FOR GLOBAL SOLIDARITY, COOPERATION TO FIGHT COVID-19
Focus: GS-III Disaster Management, International Relations, Prelims Why in news? The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by 188 nations including India, on COVID-19, calling for intensified international cooperation to defeat the pandemic that is causing severe disruption to societies and economies. The resolution titled Global solidarity to fight the coronavirus […]
QUESTIONS OVER FOREIGN DONATIONS FOR PM-CARES
Why in news? The government has sent conflicting signals over the question of foreign donations to the new Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund, better known as PM-CARES. Details of the Concerns Initially, Indian ambassadors were directed to mobilise donations from abroad, with SWIFT code details made available in order to […]
SC CALLS FOR QUICK END TO KERALA-KARNATAKA BORDER ROW
Why in news? The Supreme Court on 3rd April 2020, urged Karnataka and Kerala to amicably resolve their issues concerning a border blockade that has choked the free flow of vehicles carrying essential items and patients in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. Background Karnataka, which imposed the blockade, justified that its border was sealed […]
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. […]
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. […]