Synopsis: The Government of India has categorised the Delta Plus variant as a ‘variant of concern’. What is Delta+ variant? The Delta variant formerly known as B.1.617.2 is believed to be the most transmissible variant of Covid -19 yet. It has been initially detected in India. The Delta plus variant (B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1) has been formed due to a mutation in the Delta variant. A mutation means… Continue reading Govt labels Delta-plus ‘variant of concern’, urges caution
Tag: Coronavirus
Drug discovery hackathon 2020 for open source coronavirus cure launched
News: Union Health Minister and Union HRD Minister has launched the Drug Discovery Hackathon 2020. Facts: Drug Discovery Hackathon: It has been jointly organised by the All India Council for Technical Education(AICTE) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR). The hackathon is being supported by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing(CDAC), MyGov as… Continue reading Drug discovery hackathon 2020 for open source coronavirus cure launched
UN rolls out COVID-19 communication tool in Africa
News: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa(UNECA) has launched COVID-19 communication tool in Africa named Africa Communication and Information Platform(ACIP) for Health and Economic Action. Facts: ACIP: It is a mobile-based tool to support the country’s assigned National COVID-19 Taskforce to enhance its ability to implement necessary responses and to direct resources to mitigate and… Continue reading UN rolls out COVID-19 communication tool in Africa
Indian National Supermodel to predict the future of coronavirus spread
News:Department of Science and Technology(DST) has begun work on the creation of a Covid -19 Indian National Supermodel. Facts: Aim: To forecast the spread of coronavirus and also monitor the future transmission of infection with the aim to assist governments in enhancing disease surveillance measures. Bodies Involved: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)… Continue reading Indian National Supermodel to predict the future of coronavirus spread
National community-based sero-survey to estimate prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Facts: Sero Survey: It involves testing the blood samples of a group of individuals to monitor trends in prevalence of the novel coronavirus or SARS-COV-2 infection at the district level. Under this, a combination of Elisa antibody kits and RT-PCR will be used for testing.For RT-PCR tests, throat and nasal swabs will be collected. Bodies… Continue reading National community-based sero-survey to estimate prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Baltics open Europe’s first pandemic ‘travel bubble’
News:The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have opened their borders to one another creating the first travel bubble within the European Union. Facts: Baltic Travel Bubble: It aims to facilitate the citizens of these three Baltic countries to travel within the region without hassles.However, those who are coming from any other countries would… Continue reading Baltics open Europe’s first pandemic ‘travel bubble’
Union Minister dedicates COBAS-6800 testing machine to the nation
Facts: COBAS 6800 is a fully automated machine enabled with robotics for performing RT-PCR tests for COVID-19. The machine provides high-volume quality testing and will be able to test around 1200 samples in 24 hours. It is installed at the National Centre for Disease Control(NCDC). Significance: It will help minimize the chance of contamination and… Continue reading Union Minister dedicates COBAS-6800 testing machine to the nation
Enzyme makes men vulnerable to coronavirus disease
News:According to a study, ACE-2 enzymes are responsible for why men seem to be more vulnerable to Covid-19 than women. Facts: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2(ACE2) is an enzyme molecule that connects the inside of our cells to the outside via the cell membrane. The enzyme is found in our lungs, heart, intestines, blood vessels and… Continue reading Enzyme makes men vulnerable to coronavirus disease
₹20 lakh crore package for “self-reliant” India
News:Prime Minister has announced a special economic package worth 20 lakh crore rupees for an ‘Atma-Nirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India. Facts: Aim: To make India self-reliant (Atma-Nirbhar) by promoting business, attracting investment, cutting down import dependence and by strengthening Make in India. The package includes earlier announcements made by the RBI and the government which… Continue reading ₹20 lakh crore package for “self-reliant” India
Explained: Can ultraviolet light help detect, kill the coronavirus?
News:Scientists are studying the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to detect the virus in public places and disinfect contaminated public spaces to stop the transmission of the virus. Facts: Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation(UVGI) replicates UV wavelengths and uses its destructive properties to target pathogens. It disinfects contaminated spaces, air and water and helps in preventing… Continue reading Explained: Can ultraviolet light help detect, kill the coronavirus?
