U.S. joins G7 artificial intelligence group to counter China

News:The United States has joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence(AI). Facts: The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence is a G7 countries Partnership initiated by France and Canada. Aim: To study and provide recommendations on the responsible adoption of AI based on shared principles of human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation and economic growth. Additional Facts:… Continue reading U.S. joins G7 artificial intelligence group to counter China

WHO, 37 nations launch alliance to share tools to tackle Covid-19 pandemic

News: World Health Organization(WHO), 37 countries and multiple international partners and institutions have launched COVID-19 Technology Access Pool (C-TAP) initiative. Facts: Aim: To make vaccines, tests, treatments and other health technologies to fight COVID-19 accessible to all. Under this, WHO and partner countries have issued a Solidarity Call to Action to the global community to… Continue reading WHO, 37 nations launch alliance to share tools to tackle Covid-19 pandemic

WHO chief announces creation of foundation to tap new funding sources

News:World Health Organization(WHO) has announced the creation of the ‘WHO Foundation’. Facts: WHO Foundation: It is an independent grant-making entity that will support the WHO’s efforts to address the most pressing global health challenges and to deliver on the organization’s triple billion goals.  Contributions: It will be legally separate from WHO and will facilitate contributions… Continue reading WHO chief announces creation of foundation to tap new funding sources

Finance minister attends New Development Bank Governors meet

News:Indian Finance Minister attended the Special Board of Governors meet of New Development bank through video conference. Facts: New Development Bank(NDB): It is a multilateral development bank jointly founded by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil in 2014.The Bank formally came into existence… Continue reading Finance minister attends New Development Bank Governors meet

Operation Warp Speed: US hopes for Covid-19 vaccine by end of year

News: The United States has launched a program called Operation Warp Speed. Facts: Operation Warp Speed: It is a public–private partnership initiated by the United States to facilitate and accelerate development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. Bodies Involved: It includes components of the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of… Continue reading Operation Warp Speed: US hopes for Covid-19 vaccine by end of year

COVID Action Platform

Facts: COVID Action Platform was created by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Aim: To convene the business community for collective action, protect people’s livelihoods and facilitate business continuity and mobilize support for the COVID-19 response. The fund has the support of the World Health Organization and is open to all businesses and industry groups as… Continue reading COVID Action Platform

Dr Harsh Vardhan to take charge as WHO Executive Board chairman: what this means for India

News:Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is set to take charge as the chairman of the WHO Executive Board at its 147th session. Facts: The World Health Organization(WHO) is governed by two decision making bodies — the World Health Assembly and the Executive Board. Composition: The Executive Board is composed of 34 members technically qualified… Continue reading Dr Harsh Vardhan to take charge as WHO Executive Board chairman: what this means for India

Nepal’s new political map claims India’s territories

News: Nepal has released a new map showing Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh areas as part of its territory.However,India has termed it as artificial enlargement of Nepal territorial claims that will not be accepted. Facts: India-Nepal Border Disputes: Kalapani Dispute: Kalapani is located at an altitude of 3600m on the Kailash Mansarovar route.It borders Uttarakhand in… Continue reading Nepal’s new political map claims India’s territories

India, U.S. to collaborate on COVID-19 vaccine trials, say U.S. health officials

News:India and the U.S have decided to work together on vaccine research and testing for COVID-19 under the Indo-U.S. Vaccine Action Program(VAP). Facts: The Indo-US Vaccine Action Programme(VAP) is a bilateral programme established in 1987. Aim: To develop and evolve joint R&D projects towards development of safe and efficacious vaccines against some of the major… Continue reading India, U.S. to collaborate on COVID-19 vaccine trials, say U.S. health officials

India provides 2 million USD aid to United Nations Relief and Works Agency(UNRWA)

News:India has given USD 2 million in aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency(UNRWA) working for the welfare of Palestinian refugees. Facts: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations in 1949. Purpose: To provide assistance and protection for registered Palestine refugees to help… Continue reading India provides 2 million USD aid to United Nations Relief and Works Agency(UNRWA)

Blog
Academy
Community