Daily Current Affairs 23rd April 2020

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Updates on COVID-19 from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

As of now, 4,257 people have been cured with a recovery rate of 19.89%. Since yesterday, an increase of 1409 new cases has been reported. Also, a total of 21,393 people have been confirmed positive as of now for COVID-19 in India.78 districts from 23 States/UTs have not reported any fresh cases during the last 14 days.

Promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 in the light of the pandemic situation of COVID-19

Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 22nd April 2020 has approved promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to protect healthcare service personnel and property including their living/working premises against violence during epidemics. The President has given his assent for promulgation of the Ordinance. The Ordinance provides for making such acts of violence cognizable and non-bailable offences and for compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or for causing damage or loss to the property in which healthcare service personnel may have a direct interest in relation to the epidemic.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Progress so far

More than 33crore poor people received financial assistance of Rs 31,235crore under the Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Package; Rs 10,025 crore disbursed to 20.05 crore to Women Jan Dhan account holders; Rs 1405crore disbursed to about 2.82 crore old age persons, widows and disabled persons; the First installment of PM-KISAN: Rs16,146 crore transferred to 8crore farmers; Rs 162 crore transferred in 68,775 establishments as EPF contribution, benefitting 10.6 lakh employees; 2.17 crore Building & Construction workers received financial support amounting to Rs 3497crore; Pradhan MantriGaribKalyan Ann Yojana:39.27 crore beneficiaries distributed free ration of food grains; 1,09,227 MT of Pulses dispatched to various States/UTs; Pradhan Mantri UjjwalaYojana: 2.66 crore free LPG cylinders delivered.

Prime Minister to interact with Gram Panchayats across the country on 24th April

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall be addressing various Gram Panchayats across the country on Friday, the 24th of April 2020. The Day is celebrated annually as the National Panchayati Raj Day. As the country is observing Social Distancing through Lockdown, the Prime Minister shall be interacting with various participants through video-conferencing.

Telephone Conversation between PM and Prime Minister of the Ireland

During a telephone call today with the Prime Minister of Ireland, H.E. Dr. Leo Varadkar, Prime Minister discussed the state of the COVID-19 pandemic and the steps being taken by both countries to control its health and economic impact. Prime Minister Varadkar appreciated the role being played by Indian origin doctors and nurses in fighting the infection in Ireland.

Procurement of Pulses & Oilseeds on MSP is currently in progress in 20 States during Rabi season 2020

A quantity of 1,67,570.95 MT of Pulses and 1,11,638.52 MT of Oilseeds has been procured by NAFED and FCI valued at Rs 1313 Crores through which 1,74,284 farmers have been benefited.A separate cell has been constituted for monitoring supply and prices of essential goods and fruits & vegetables along with inter-state movement for Northeast region.

Raksha Mantri inaugurates DRDO developed Mobile Laboratory to test COVID19 samples

The Mobile Lab will be helpful to carry out diagnosis of COVID-19 and also virus culturing for drug screening, Convalescent plasma-derived therapy, comprehensive immune profiling of COVID-19 patients towards vaccine development early clinical trials specific to Indian population. The lab screens 1000-2000 samples per day. This lab can be positioned anywhere in the country, as per requirement.

Power Ministry advises States/UTs to allow construction activities in the power projects outside Municipal limits during nation-wide lockdown

Union Power Ministry has advised the State/UT administrations to allow construction activities in the power projects outside Municipal limits during nation-wide lockdown for COVID-19 outbreak as per the guidelines issued Union Ministry of Home Affairs on 15.04.2020. These activities may be permitted after observing necessary health protocols to curb COVID-19.

HRD Minister releases Alternative Academic Calendar for the upper primary stage

In order to engage students meaningfully during their stay at home due to COVID-19 through educational activities at home with the help of their parents and teachers, the alternative academic calendars at primary and upper primary stage (Classes VI to VIII) have been developed by the NCERT under the guidance of the MHRD.

Pharma Secretary asks State Drug Controllers to help Pharmaceutical firms in augmenting production of medicines in the country

State Drugs Controllers (SDCs) have been requested to ensure the availability of essential medicines and medical devices required in the management of COVID-19 treatment. They were also requested to ensure the utilization of manufacturing capacity to full extent so that sufficient stocks without any hindrance can be made available at all levels.

On 22nd April 2020, Indian Railways did record foodgrain loading of 112 rakes equivalent to 3.13 Lakh Tonnes

Indian Railways continues with its efforts to ensure that farm products like foodgrains are picked up on time and transported nationwide. From 01.04.2020 to 22.04.2020, the total food grains loaded and transported by Indian Railways was 4.58 million tonnes as compared to 1.82 million tonnes in the corresponding period last year

Corona warriors of Lifeline Udan continue to work with endless energy to support India’s fight against Covid-19

330 flights have been operated under Lifeline Udan by Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private carriers. 200 of these flights have been operated by Air India and Alliance Air. Cargo transported till date is around 551.79 tons. Aerial distance covered by Lifeline Udan flights till date is over 3,27,623km.

Ministry of Tourism organises 6th webinar of DekhoApnaDesh Series on ‘Making India an Inclusive Travel Destination For All’

The objective of these Webinars is to create awareness about and promote various tourism destinations of India – including the lesser known destinations and lesser known facets of popular destinations. In addition, thematic Webinars are also being organised on subjects such as Accessible Tourism. The 6th Webinar of the series was organised on 22nd April 2020 on the subject ‘Making India an Inclusive Travel Destination For All’.

No provision of free internet by Department of Telecom

Fact Check Unit of Press Information Bureau has clarified in a tweet that the Department of Telecom is not giving free internet to all users till 3rd May, 2020. The fake information in circulation has claimed that free internet is being provided to all by the Department to enable them to work from home, and can be availed by clicking on a given link.

IIFPT supports the battle against COVID-19 by manufacturing and supplying nutrient-rich foods to Covid-19 patients

Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology has been manufacturing nutrient-rich foods for COVID-19 patients under medical examination and those who recently recovered from pandemic after treatment at Thanjavur Medical College, Tamil Nadu.

KVIC Comes To The Rescue of Cocoon Farmers In Tamil Nadu

When the country was struggling hard with deadly Coronavirus, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of MSME, in collaboration with its Khadi Institutions (KIs) in Tamil Nadu has discharged its responsibility once again by purchasing cocoons from cocoon farmers.

Faridabad District Administration takes various initiatives to fight COVID-19; uses technology to monitor and spread awareness

Scientists working on anti COVID drugs using garlic essential oil

Department of Biotechnology’s Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (DBT-CIAB) at Mohali, has planned a bouquet of research projects aimed at generating products that could be used for prevention, diagnosis or cure of for the deadly COVID 19 infection that is currently sweeping over the entire world.