Table of Contents
e-RMB:
China’s central bank has stepped up its development of the e-RMB, which is set to be the first digital currency operated by a major economy. It will be the electronic form of the renminbi, with a value equivalent to the paper notes and coins in circulation. The People’s Bank of China, the country’s central bank, will be the sole issuer of the digital yuan, initially offering the digital money to commercial banks and other operators. It will be launched in major cities of Shenzhen, Suzhou and Chengdu, as well as the Xiong’an New Area.
Sariska Tiger Reserve:
Sariska Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India. The former hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Alwar, the Sariska valley is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park has populations of tigers, leopards, Nilgai, Sambar, chital etc. The place is a paradise for bird lovers as it shelters a large population of Indian peafowl, crested serpent eagles, sand grouse, golden-backed woodpeckers, great Indian horned owls, tree pies, vultures and many others.
eCovSens:
The new portable device named eCovSens, can be used to detect the presence of novel coronavirus antigens in human saliva within 30 seconds using just 20 microlitres of the sample. Developed by a group of scientists, led by Sonu Gandhi from NIAB, the Department of Biotechnology, the device is named as ‘eCovSens’ and is at present in the validation stage. The device consists of a carbon electrode and the coronavirus antibody. The antibody is capable of binding with the spike protein found on the outer layer of the virus. An electrical signal is generated when the antigen and antibody binds.
- It is a biosensor that can detect the novel coronavirus in saliva samples.
- It has been developed by researchers from the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad.
ATULYA:
It is a cost-effective solution to disintegrate corona virus.
This microwave sterilizer can be operated in portable or fixed installations and helps in disintegrating the virus by differential heating in the range of 56 to 60 Celsius temperatures.
Developed by Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune.
World Press Freedom Conference 2020:
Since 1993, the Global Conference is organized annually.
- The conference provides an opportunity for journalists, civil society representatives, national authorities, academics and the broader public to discuss emerging challenges to press freedom and journalists’ safety and to work together on identifying solutions.
- The Netherlands is the host for 2020. Due to Covid-19 a global pandemic the conference is now scheduled for October 18 to 20 at the same venue.
World Press Freedom Day 2020:
World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) is observed every year on 3 May. The aim is to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluate press freedom around the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
World Press Freedom Day popularly known as World Press Day is one of the calendar events planned, organized and promoted by the United Nations, is observed annually on May 3.
The day is celebrated to raise awareness regarding the importance of freedom of the press. The day is reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2020, “Journalism without Fear or Favour” and the sub-themes for this year are:
- Safety of Women and Men Journalists and Media Workers.
- Independent and Professional Journalism free from Political and Commercial Influence.
- Gender Equality in All Aspect of the Media.