UNGA adopts resolution calling for global solidarity in fight against COVID-19

1.International Mine Awareness Day: 04 April

International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action is observed on April 4 each year.This day aims to raise awareness about landmines and progress toward their eradication.

Mine Awareness Day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of landmines.

2.UNGA adopts resolution calling for global solidarity in fight against COVID-19

The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution on COVID-19, calling for intensified international cooperation to defeat the pandemic.Co-sponsored by 188 nations including India, the resolution titled ‘Global solidarity’ to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the first such document on the global pandemic to be adopted by the world organization.

The resolution called for intensified international cooperation in exchanging information, scientific knowledge and best practices and applying guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization.

3.ICMR recommends antibody test for speedy detection of COVID-19 cases

To ensure speedy detection of coronavirus cases, those residing in Covid-19 hotspots or areas which have reported large numbers of cases may have to undergo a rapid antibody blood test for the viral infection.The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in its interim advisory has recommended the use of the rapid antibody test in the country’s coronavirus hotspots.

The Health Ministry has identified 20 existing and 22 potential COVID-19 hotspots across the country.

The results of the antibody tests, similar to other blood tests, are available in 15-30 minutes.

4.Govt orders about 10 crore hydroxychloroquine tablets for healthcare workers

In the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, the Union Health Ministry has placed an order of about 10 crore hydroxychloroquine tablets from various pharmaceutical companies for health care workers.The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has suggested the use of hydroxychloroquine tablets only for health care workers and caregivers involved in the treatment and direct contact with the suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

For those COVID-19 patients, who require Intensive Care Unit care, the Health Ministry has suggested the use of hydroxychloroquine tablets in combination with Azithromycin.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a medication used to prevent and treat malaria in areas where malaria remains sensitive to chloroquine.

5.Minister of State Human Resource Development launches ‘Hack the Crisis-India’ hackathon

Minister of State Human Resource Development and IT Sanjay Dhotre launched ‘Hack the Crisis – India’, an Online Hackathon to find working solutions for overcoming COVID-19 pandemic.This hackathon is part of a global initiative and is being organised by ‘Hack A Cause – India’ and ‘FICCI Ladies Organization Pune’ and supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The aim of this hackathon is to strengthen the fight against COVID-19.

Over 2,000 teams and over 15,000 participants will be enhancing their working prototypes in a 48 hour hackathon.

6.IIT Roorkee develops low-cost face shields for protection of first line healthcare professionals fighting COVID-19

IIT Roorkee has developed low-cost face shields for first line healthcare professionals at AIIMS Rishikesh for protection from COVID-19.The frame of the face shield is 3D printed.

The shield can be used along with the protective gear by healthcare personnel while entering the wards housing COVID-19 patients.

The spectacle-type design of the protection shield provides the ease of replacement as the transparent sheet is not bound to a reusable frame.

The cost of the sheet is as low as Rs 5.

The manufacturing cost per shield is approximately Rs 45. Mass manufacturing cost will be less than Rs. 25.

7.CCI nod for acquisition of stakes in Religare Health Insurance by Trishikhar Ventures

The Competition Commission of India has approved acquisition of 18.95 percent stake in Religare Health Insurance by Trishikhar Ventures under the green channel route.Trishikhar Ventures is a part of Kedaara Group, which invests in a variety of companies through acquisitions and corporate restructurings.

Religare Health Insurance provides general insurance products in the health segment.

8.India’s foreign exchange reserves rise by 5.65 billion after falling for 2 weeks

After falling for two weeks in a row, India’s foreign exchange reserves have surged by $5.65 billion to $475.56 billion in the week ended on 27th of March.Foreign currency assets, a major part of the overall reserves, increased by $2.56 billion to $439.66 billion.

In the previous week, the reserves had declined by $11.98 billion to $469.91 billion as the RBI was supplying dollars to contain fall in the rupee, which has breached the 76 mark against the US Dollar.

Gold reserves also increased by $3.03 billion to $30.89 billion.

India’s special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund went up by $14 million to $1.42 billion, while the country’s reserve position also increased by $44 million to $3.58 billion.

9.FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled in November postponed

The FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, which was scheduled to be played in India between November 2nd and 21st, has been postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.The new dates for the tournament will be identified later.

The working group also postponed FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup which was scheduled between August and September in Panama and Costa Rica.

The Under-17 Women’s World Cup was scheduled to be played in India across five host cities – Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Bhubaneswar.

10.Official mascots of 19th Asian Games unveiled in Hangzhou, China

The official mascots of the 19th Asian Games were unveiled at a digital launch ceremony in Hangzhou, China.The three robots, which are going to be the mascots for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games are collectively known as the smart triplets.

The Mascots – Congcong, Lianlian and Chenchen, which reflect the internet prowess of Hangzhou city and Zhejiang province, were unveiled at a digital ceremony in the wake of the COVID-19.

The Olympic Council of Asia’s 19th Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou from September 10 to 25, 2022.