UNODC has launched a series of online dialogs with the students:

CSIR-IGIB develops FELUDA, an affordable coronavirus screen for pathogen detection: 

ARI researchers develop microreactor that produces uniform nanoparticles:

Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have developed a microreactor capable of generating large quantities of uniform nanoparticles. A problem faced by the biomedical sector has been the development of a standardized size of nanoparticles. This discovery would act as a significant prerequisite for biomedical technology.

Highlights:

♦ Metal, semiconductor, and polymer nanoparticles could be synthesized by the microreactor through the continuous active flow microreactor. 

♦ The microreactor has parameters such as reactant concentration, flow rate, agitation, temperature of the reaction, and time. It can determine the size and distribution of Nanoparticles.

♦ They further developed a mathematical equation that used dimensional analysis to accurately predict process parameters to achieve true monodispersity.

♦ This method will generate nanoparticles of any size using gold and silver, cadmium-telluride, chitosan, alginate and hyaluronic acid with a coefficient of variation below 5 per cent.

♦ The new approach to solving the nanomaterial`s monodispersity paradox can be extended to other chemical reactions, where strict control of the dynamics of the reaction is crucial.

SCTIMST creates an innovative RNA processing kit named Chitra Magna:

Chitra Magna, an advanced RNA extraction package, was created by the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) to isolate RNA from swabs for COVID-19 studies.

Chitra Magna:

The causative COVID-19 pandemic virus SARS-COV-2 is an RNA virus. It is a long single-stranded polymeric substance present in all living cells which carries the life-needed organism genetic information. One of the crucial steps in identifying this virus is to check that the virus RNA is present in the sample obtained from the throat or nose. The sample collected is transported under specified conditions in a viral transport medium to the testing laboratory.

The package procedure uses magnetic nanoparticles to extract the RNA from the patient sample and to concentrate it. The magnetic nanoparticle beads bind to the viral RNA and give a highly purified and concentrated amount of RNA if exposed to a magnetic field. The yield of the PCR or LAMP test depends on having a appropriate amount of viral RNA. The breakthrough would also raise the chances of identifying positive cases. The Institute has filed for a patent for this technology, which is simpler than in imported kits.

Chitra Magna can be used not only for LAMP testing but also for RT-PCR testing, to extract high purity RNA from patient samples. The first move to isolate high quality, high RNA concentration without degradation is crucial to the outcome of the PCR or LAMP test in which RNA is converted to DNA.

This will address the non-availability of kits which have often become a severe bottleneck for large numbers of RT-PCR testing across the world.

DST funds INST Mohali machine generated nanomaterials:

CCI approved JSW Energy Limited to acquire GMR Kamalanga Energy Limited

IAF provides medical at COVID-19 lockdown:

IIL partners with the University of Griffith, Australia to develop coronavirus vaccine:

UEFA put all international matches on hold

Lupin launched medicine used to prevent rejection of organs in kidney transplants in the US:

Drug maker Lupin is releasing generic delayed-release Mycophenolic acid tablets on the US market. The drug is used in patients undergoing kidney transplants to avoid organ rejection.

Drug:    

♦ The tablets Mycophenolic acid delayed-release tablets are of strengths 180 mg and 360 mg.

♦ The drug is the generic version of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation`s Myfortic delayed-release tablets.

♦ Lupin`s alliance partner Concord Biotech Ltd has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) earlier for the product.

♦ The tablets are indicated for prophylaxis of organ rejection in adult patients receiving kidney transplants and in pediatric patients at least 5 years of age and older who are at least 6 months post kidney transplant.

Amazon to set up coronavirus testing lab for its employees:

Amazon is building a lab that will enable it to test employees for the COVID-19 virus. The move by the online retailer is to protect its delivery employees and delivery drivers who are getting essential products to customers sheltering at home. For this, the company has assigned a team of scientists, software engineers and procurement specialists to build a lab that will test the small numbers of front line employees soon.

Amazon remained open through the pandemic. It has announced plans to hire more employees as the people order online to get essentials without leaving their homes. The company is trying to get government permits to set up the lab. The company plans to test only the employees of the company. The company aims to set up regular testing of its employees to help keep people safe.

Amazon:

Founded on: 5 July 1994

Headquarters: Seattle, Washington DC, United States

Founder & CEO: Jeff Bezos

CTO: Werner Vogels

The American multinational technology company focuses on e-commerce, digital streaming, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI).

USD 2.9 million was announced to India to fight COVID-19 outbreak:

The US government has announced a 2.9 million dollar grant to India. The fund was published by the United States government through the United States Agency for International Development assistance program (USAID).

Highlights:

♦ The aim is to help India in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic. It is expected that the assistance will further support India`s response to COVID- 19. 

♦ The US government is working closely with India through USAID, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other relevant agencies to support India`s response to the pandemic. 

♦ The new grant is added to the $1.4 billion which was provided by the US in health assistance, and nearly $3 billion in total assistance, that the US has provided to India over the last 20 years. 

♦ The new funds will support the USAID`s health strengthening project which was implemented by Jhpiego, an international non-profit health organization, which is affiliated with Johns Hopkins University.

USAID:

Formed on: 3 November 1961

Headquarters: Washington, D.C., US

USAID is a non-profit organization of the US government. It is responsible to administer civilian foreign aid and development assistance.

National Maritime Day is celebrated in India on 5 April

CSIF to Provide its staff with COVID-19 security equipment and healthcare paraphernalia:

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is to provide its more than 40,000 workers with COVID-19 security equipment and sanitary paraphernalia. CISF staff will have near physical contact with passenger lakhs once the airports and re-start operations on the Delhi Metro.

CSIF measures:

The CISF is taking many anti-coronavirus steps to secure its soldiers. The move comes after two of Mumbai`s CSIF workers have tested positive for the COVID-19 infection. CSIF has upgraded beds in 349 isolation wards units to accommodate more staff when necessary.

CSIF:

Formed on: 10 March 1969

Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Minister responsible: Amit Shah, Union Home Minister

Director-General of CISF: Rajesh Ranjan

CSIF functions under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. It covers around 300 industrial units, government infrastructure projects and facilities and establishments located all over India. It is a unique organization in paramilitary forces for India.

NITI Aayog recommended to farmers relaxing mandi requirements for 6 months:

NITI Aayog, a policy think tank, has proposed that the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act be held in suspended animation for the next six months in view of COVID-19. Member and agricultural policy expert Ramesh Chand moved the NITI Aayog Recommendation. It also recommended that it should be done across states even if an ordinance is required.The step is aimed at relieving the burden on farmers and ensuring a smooth supply of agricultural goods.

Highlights:

♦ The APMC Act will empower the state governments to specify market areas that are operated and regulated by market committees. The market area is where farmers bring their produce for sale. 

♦ Any relaxation in the provisions of the Act will have to be done through state governments. 

♦ The recommendation also included that the farmers be allowed to take processed or cleaned up produce directly to the warehouse. Earlier, the farmers brought the produce to the mandi.

APMC Act 2003:

The wholesaling of agricultural produce is governed by the Agricultural Produce Marketing Acts of various State governments in India. The APMC Act empowers the state governments to notify the commodities, and designate markets and market areas where the regulated trade takes place. It provides for the formation of APMC that is responsible for the operation of the markets.

The APMC act aims to develop the efficiency of the marketing system and promote agri-processing and agricultural exports. 

Amitabh Kant Chairs Empowered Committee to review the coordination of COVID-19 related response activities among various stakeholders:

Amitabh Kant Chairs Empowered Committee to review the coordination of COVID-19 related response activities among various stakeholders. The committee constituted of members namely Vikram Doraiswami, (AS, MEA); Dr. Vijayaraghavan, PSA; Kamal Kishore (Member, NDMA); Sandeep Mohan Bhatnagar (Member, CBIC); Anil Malik (AS, MHA); P. Harish (AS, MEA); Gopal Baglay (JS, PMO); Aishvarya Singh (DS, PMO); Tina Soni (DS, Cabinet Secretariat);  and the work of EG6 is serviced by Sanyukta Samaddar (Adviser, SDG, NITI Aayog).

Highlights:

♦ The meeting discussed the issues faced and the expectations of the government.

♦ It aimed to formulated plans with three groups of stakeholders namely:

1) The UN agencies, World Bank, Asian Development Bank

2) Civil Society Organisations and development partners

3) Industry associations namely Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India  (ASSOCHAM), NASSCOM

♦ The committee appealed to over 92000 NGOs/ CSOs registered on the Darpan portal of NITI Aayog. The committee directed them to provide assistance to the government in identifying hotspots and deputing volunteers and caregivers to deliver services to the elderly, persons with disabilities (PwDs), children, transgender persons, and other vulnerable groups. It also directed them to create awareness about social distancing, prevention, isolation, and combating COVID-19 and provide shelter to homeless, daily wage workers, and urban poor families.

♦ It discussed all the proactive measures taken by the government to combat COVID-19.

Essential facilities, medicines provided by Swasth ke Sipahi under PMBJP in patients `doorstep:

During the nationwide lockdown, Swasth ke Sipahi pharmacists at Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra (PMJAK) provide critical services and medicines at the doorstep of patients and the elderly under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

Swasth ke Sipahi:

♦ The pharmacist is working as part of PMJAK. Currently, they are extending essential services by making available quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the common people of the country and the elderly persons at their doorstep to fight the Corona pandemic. 

♦ Swasth ke Sipahi is supporting the government`s initiative of practicing social distancing.

PMJAK:

PMJAKs are being run by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. The main objective of PMJAK is to provide quality and affordable healthcare to anyone in need. Currently, more than 6300 PMJAKs are functioning across the nation, covering 726 districts of the country.  

International Mine Awareness Day observed on 4 April:

SpaceX released its Starship rocket User Guide:

First-time Wimbledon championship since World War II:

The winners of the Adhunik Gram programme, Indigram:

Naval Dockyard creates low-cost screening system:

UNSC conducting a virtual coronavirus outbreak meeting:

The Center helps farmers to stop market place using eNAM: