What is the News? The World Health Organization has classified the B.1.617 (variant first identified in India in 2020) as a Variant of Concern(VoC). Variant Classifications: Variants of a virus have one or more mutations that differentiate it from the other variants that are in circulation. Types: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)… Continue reading WHO classifies Indian variant as “Variant of Concern”
Category: Daily News Updates
“Nature in a Globalised World” – An IUCN report on Conflict and Conservation
What is the News? International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) has released a report titled “Nature in a Globalised World: Conflict and Conservation”. About the Nature in a Globalised World Report: The report focuses on complex relationships between nature and the armed conflict. Objective: The objective is to bring nature conservation into the mainstream of… Continue reading “Nature in a Globalised World” – An IUCN report on Conflict and Conservation
NASA’s “OSIRIS-REx Mission” to begin return from “Asteroid Bennu”
What is the News? NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Mission will depart from asteroid Bennu and start its two-year-long journey back to Earth. About OSIRIS-REx Mission: OSIRIS-REx stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer. The mission was launched in 2016. It was the first U.S. mission to successfully collect a sample from an asteroid. Aim:… Continue reading NASA’s “OSIRIS-REx Mission” to begin return from “Asteroid Bennu”
Solving Present Health Care Crisis With Lessons from Green Revolution
Synopsis: India is facing a severe shortage of healthcare infrastructure. But, this is not the first time. India has already tackled a food shortage which was worse than this during the 1960s by the green revolution. Introduction: India is witnessing shortages of almost everything that is needed to treat COVID-19 patients. Such as hospital beds, drugs,… Continue reading Solving Present Health Care Crisis With Lessons from Green Revolution
EAC Recommends the Great Nicobar Development Plan for EIA Study
Synopsis: The Environment Appraisal Committee has recommended the Great Nicobar Development plan for grant of terms of reference for EIA studies. The committee also flagged a few critical concerns. Introduction The Environment Appraisal Committee (EAC) had raised serious concerns about NITI Aayog’s ambitious project for the Great Nicobar Development plan. However, the EAC has also… Continue reading EAC Recommends the Great Nicobar Development Plan for EIA Study
US Support to TRIPS Waiver – Challenges Ahead
Synopsis – US is supporting the TRIPS waiver on Covid-19 Vaccines. However, it may take much more time and effort to take benefits out of it. Introduction Firstly, the US is supporting a temporary waiver of the TRIPS agreement [patent protection rules] on Covid-19 vaccines proposed by India and South Africa. Further, Article IX of… Continue reading US Support to TRIPS Waiver – Challenges Ahead
Nation wide lockdown is an Opportunity to Improve Health Infrastructure
Synopsis – At last, states are implementing strict lockdowns. It is to handle the out-of-control spread of Coronavirus infection. Now, states should use this opportunity to improve health infrastructure in the country. Introduction Life threat from a mutating virus has aggravated manifold. An increase in Covid cases from 9,000 new daily in early February to… Continue reading Nation wide lockdown is an Opportunity to Improve Health Infrastructure
Why the Taiwan Covid-19 Model Works?
Synopsis: Taiwan detected its 1st case of Covid-19 in January 2020. However, it managed to control the pandemic effectively despite the adverse circumstances. With India suffering heavily from Covid-19, it becomes important to have a good look at the Taiwan Covid-19 model. Introduction A novel form of pneumonia was first emerged in Wuhan, China, in… Continue reading Why the Taiwan Covid-19 Model Works?
FCRA Amendments are Crippling Work of NGOs
What is the News? The FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment) Act, 2020 has affected the work of many NGOs. They are facing difficulties in receiving foreign funds. FCRA Amendment Act, 2020: The amendment has made it compulsory for the NGOs to open an exclusive Bank account with the State Bank of India in New Delhi… Continue reading FCRA Amendments are Crippling Work of NGOs
US joins “Christchurch Call to Action” against online extremism
What is the News? The United States has announced that it will be joining “Christchurch Call to Action” against online extremism. About Christchurch Call to Action: Christchurch Call to Action was launched during the Online Extremism Summit in Paris, France in 2019. The summit was co-chaired by New Zealand and France. Objective: The Christchurch Call… Continue reading US joins “Christchurch Call to Action” against online extremism
