Passage 1
The Governments of various countries have united to combat chemical pollution today, launching a $134-million project to eliminate the use of one susbstance in medical devices.
Used in health-care settings for centuries, mercury is a toxic metal that poses a threat to human health and the environment. Medical thermometers and sphygmomanometers (devices which measure blood pressure) contain this substance and are harmless as long as they remain intact.
However, when these devices break or are taken out of service, this substance they contain can escape into the environment where it vaporises, exposing health care workers and patients to harmful fumes. Inhalation can cause damage to the lungs, kidneys and nervous system, while the waste generated can contaminate the immediate area of the spill, as well as a facility’s wastewater.
Source – https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/134-mil
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Passage 2
India has contributed $500,000 to the U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund, underscoring its unwavering commitment to support multilateral efforts in the global fight against the scourge of terrorism.
India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador on May 7 handed over to Under Secretary General, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) the country’s voluntary financial contribution of half a million dollars towards the U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (CTTF).
“India places great significance on the mandate and the work undertaken by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in building the capacity of member states to effectively deal with the threat of terrorism. The latest contribution reaffirms India’s unwavering commitment to supporting multilateral efforts led by the United Nations in the global fight against the scourge of terrorism,” a statement by the Permanent Mission of India to the U.N. said.
Source- https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-contri
