Prince Charles tests positive for COVID-19

1.Bangladesh Independence Day: 26 March

Bangladesh observes its 50th Independence Day on 26 March.It commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Pakistan in the late hours of 26 March 1971 by the leader of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

But this year, the government cancelled all programmes of the day as the country fights to contain the transmission of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

2.US, UAE troops launch major exercise ‘Native Fury’

The United Arab Emirates and U.S. Marines and Emirati forces held a major military exercise amid tensions with Iran and despite the new coronavirus pandemic.The biennial exercise, called Native Fury, shows the close ties between American forces and the UAE.

The exercise saw 4,000 U.S. troops from the Army, Marines and Navy position armored vehicles and other equipment from Kuwait and the island of Diego Garcia in al-Hamra using a portable pier system.

The barren desert, some 200 kilometers (125 miles) southwest of Abu Dhabi, is home to the UAE’s vast oil reserves as well as its new Barakah nuclear power plant.

3.Saudi Arabia proposes to convene “extraordinary virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit” on March 26

Saudi Arabia which is in chair has proposed to convene an “extraordinary virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit” on 26th March to advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications.King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud will chair the meeting of this “extraordinary Summit”.

G20 members will be joined by leaders from invited countries, Spain, Jordan, Singapore, and Switzerland as well as international organizations.

Regional organizations will be represented by Vietnam the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), South Africa the Chair of the African Union (AU), the United Arab Emirates the Chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Rwanda the Chair of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

G20 is one of the major forums for international cooperation on financial and economic issues and a primary platform for global economic governance.

4.Prince Charles tests positive for COVID-19

The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles tested positive for COVID-19.Prince Charles’s office confirmed that he has mild symptoms and remains in good health.

However, his wife Camilla, tested negative for the virus.

The couple are now self-isolating in Scotland.

The 71-year-old, Prince Charles is the eldest son and heir to Queen Elizabeth II.

5.Digital Industry to temporarily default HD content streaming to SD

All companies from the digital industry have decided upon temporarily defaulting HD (High-Definition) & ultra-HD streaming to SD (Standard-Definition) content or offering only SD content, at bitrates no higher than 480p on cellular networks until 14th April.The move comes looking at potential impact on the cellular network infrastructure caused by the unprecedented surge in mobile internet consumption as people are staying at their homes responding to the Prime Minister’s call for social distancing & now a total lockdown.

The digital industry has decided to act immediately in the larger national and consumer interest and to ensure the robustness of the cellular network.

6.EC allows use of indelible ink stamp for home quarantine

Election Commission has decided to allow usage of indelible ink on persons for stamping for home quarantine by health authorities in view of COVID-19.The Health Ministry may standardise the mark and the location on the body where the mark has to be applied so that it does not come in the way of conducting elections.

The concerned authorities will be instructed not to use the Indelible Ink on any finger on the left hand of any persons.

Indelible in is applied to the forefinger of voters during elections in order to prevent electoral fraud such as double voting.

Electoral stain typically contains a pigment, a silver nitrate which stains the skin on exposure to ultraviolet light.

7.Odisha government launches ‘Mo Jeeban’ programme

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched ‘Mo Jeeban’ programme and urged people to take a pledge to stay indoors.Striking an emotional chord with the people who have voted him to power five times in a row since the year 2000, Patnaik said, During the last 20 years, I have made several appeals and you have responded. Today, I am seeking your cooperation and support to keep everyone safe.

Patnaik asked people to take an oath in the name of their children and parents that they will not be the reason of danger for their family and community.

He also asked the people to paste a sticker on the front gate of their houses to show their resolve.

8.Sameer Aggarwal, new CEO of Walmart India

Sameer Aggarwal has been appointed as CEO of Walmart India.He will report to Dirk Van Den Berghe, Executive Vice-President and Regional CEO of Asia and Global Sourcing, Walmart.

Aggarwal appointment comes into effect from April 1.

He succeeds Krish Iyer, who is set to retire and assume the role of advisor to Best Price, Walmart India.

9.Sunil Chhetri chosen for FIFA campaign against COVID-19

India football captain Sunil Chhetri has been picked by FIFA along with 28 past and present stars for the world governing body’s awareness campaign to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) have teamed up to combat the coronavirus by launching a new awareness campaign led by world-renowned footballers.

The ‘Pass the message to kick out coronavirus’ campaign promotes five key steps for people to follow to protect their health in line with WHO guidance, focused on hand washing, coughing etiquette, not touching your face, physical distance and staying home if feeling unwell.

The 28 players, who will be involved in the video campaign to be published in 13 languages, include some of the best known players like Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and World Cup winners like Philip Lahm, Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol.

10.Former footballer Abdul Latif passes away

Former India midfielder Abdul Latif, who was also a key member of the bronze medal winning team at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games died.He also represented India in Asia Cup Qualifier in 1968 in Myanmar and Merdeka Cup in 1969 in Kuala Lumpur.

Latif represented Mohammedan Sporting from 1963-1967 and later took over as coach.