Current Affairs April 2020 - National

1 - Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched new features of e-NAM Platform

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the following new features of National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Platform.

Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWRs) module: It will enable small & marginal farmers to directly trade their stored produce from selected Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited warehouses.
Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) trading module: This will enable FPOs to upload the picture and quality parameters of the produce for bidding, which will help distant bidders to visualise the produce before bidding.
Logistic Module: This will promote inter-State trade under e-NAM by providing online transport facilities for distant buyers.

2 - World Bank approved USD 1 billion Emergency Fund for India to help tackle Corona virus

The World Bank has approved one billion US Dollars Emergency Fund for India to help it tackle the Corona virus pandemic. The World Bank's first set of aid projects, amounting to 1.9 billion US Dollars, will assist 25 countries. The largest chunk of the emergency financial assistance of one billion US Dollars has gone to India.

In South Asia, the World Bank also approved 200 million US Dollars for Pakistan, 100 million for Afghanistan, 7.3 million for the Maldives and 128.6 million for Sri Lanka.

3 - Government of India launched 'Aarogya Setu' app

The government has launched 'Aarogya Setu' app that will help people track Covid-19 infections more accurately and effectively. The app has been developed by the National Informatics Centre.

The 'Aarogya Setu' tracking app will help track the coronavirus infection by using the smartphone's GPS system and Bluetooth. The application determines if the user is at risk, by scanning through a database of known cases across India, and also via location.

4 - Civil servants form 'Caruna', an initiative to fight Coronavirus

Associations representing officers of Central Civil Services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), have formed an initiative called 'Caruna' to support and supplement the government's efforts in fighting corona virus.

The acronym 'Caruna' stands for “Civil Services Associations Reach to Support in Natural Disasters” and represents a collaborative platform, on which civil servants, industry leaders, NGO and IT professionals among others have come together to contribute their time and abilities.

5 - DRDO developed equipment for effective sanitisation of public spaces

The Centre for Fire Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi of the Defence research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed two configurations of sanitising equipment to combat the Corona Virus Pandemic.

Portable Backpack Area Sanitisation Equipment: It can be mounted as a backpack for spraying decontamination solution consisting of one per cent Hypochlorite (HYPO) solution. It is capable of disinfecting up to 300 square metre area.
Trolley Mounted Large Area Sanitisation Equipment: It is carried on a trolley and has a tank capacity of 50 litres. It is capable of disinfecting up to 3,000 square metre area.

6 - IIT Roorkee developed low-cost face shields to fight 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 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 manufacturing cost per shield is approximately Rs. 45.

7 - 'Hack the Crisis-India' hackathon launched

An online hackathon, Hack the Crisis - India, was launched to find working solutions for overcoming COVID-19 pandemic. It was organised by ‘Hack A Cause - India’ and ‘FICCI Ladies Organization Pune’.

Top Winning ideas were as follows:

Big bang boomsolutions: Ventilator – Completely modular & remotely operational.
Autonomous UV disinfectant robot: UV Robot for disinfection of quarantined spaces used by corona patients.
Humans AI: Labelling data to provide a means of income to who require it the most.
Falcon Virus Tracking: Risk contact determined with alert to healthcare systems.
Surveillance and Developer eyes m: Digital Hospital & Laboratory.

8 - Government approved release of Rs. 11,092 Cr under SDRMF to all States

Union Government has approved the release of Rs. 11,092 crore under the State Disaster Risk Management Fund, SDRMF to all States. This Fund was allowed to be utilised for setting up quarantine facilities, sample collection and screening, setting up additional testing laboratories, cost of consumables, purchase of personal protection equipment, thermal scanners, ventilators and consumables for Government hospitals.

With a view to make additional funds available to the State Governments for taking preventive and mitigation measures for containment of COVID-19, Centre had made a special dispensation for utilisation of State Disaster Response Fund, SDRF.

9 - DRDO developed bio suit to keep personnel engaged in combating COVID-19 safe from virus

Defence Research and Development Organisation developed a bio suit to keep the medical, paramedical and other personnel engaged in combating COVID-19 safe from the virus.

The suit has been prepared with the help of the industry and subjected to rigorous testing for textile parameters as well as protection against synthetic blood. The protection against synthetic blood exceeds the criteria defined for body suits by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The current production capacity is 7,000 suits per day.

10 - Government regulated 24 classes of medical devices as drugs for quality control

Government regulated 24 classes of medical devices, which have been notified and regulated as drugs under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Remaining non-scheduled medical devices are notified and regulated as drugs. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) will monitor maximum retail prices of these drugs. NPPA revised the ceiling price of 883 scheduled formulations.

The NPPA in its order stated that all medical devices shall be governed under the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. All medical devices shall be regulated by the government as drugs for quality control and price monitoring.

11 - NPPA revised ceiling price of 883 scheduled formulations

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) revised the ceiling price of 883 scheduled formulations. The WPI increase has been based on the data published by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Increase in ceiling price is based on Wholesale Price Index (WPI), which is 1.88%.

The revision in ceiling price of formulations included the revision of ceiling price of cardiac stents also. The revised prices will be applicable from tomorrow and the detail of revised prices is available on NPPA’s website www.nppaindia.nic.in.

12 - NCC offered its volunteer cadets for national duty to fight COVID-19 under ‘Ex NCC Yogdan’

National Cadet Corps (NCC) has offered a helping hand to civilian authorities in the country’s fight against COVID-19 by extending the services of cadets under ‘Exercise NCC Yogdan’. It has issued guidelines for temporary employment of its cadets to augment relief efforts and functioning of various agencies involved in battling the pandemic.

The NCC is the largest uniformed youth organisation of the country and has been engaged in conducting various social service and community development activities.

13 - Domino’s Pizza launched ‘Domino’s Essentials’ service

India's largest pizza chain, Domino's has joined hands with packaged consumer goods major ITC Foods to launch ‘Domino’s Essentials’. The delivery infrastructure of Jubilant FoodWorks arm will be leveraged under this partnership to help customers order everyday grocery essentials offered by ITC Foods.

The service would be available for consumers first in Bengaluru and then in the cities of Noida, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad. Dominos Safe Delivery Expert would follow the Zero Contact Delivery practice to deliver the package.

14 - SCTIMST tied up with Wipro 3D to manufacture automated ventilators

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) has tied up with Wipro 3D, Bengaluru to jointly build up on a prototype of an emergency ventilator system based on Artificial Manual Breathing Unit (AMBU).

AMBU bag or a bag-valve-mask (BVM) is a hand-held device used to provide positive pressure ventilation to a patient who is either not breathing or who is breathing inadequately. SCTIMST is an institute of National Importance of the Department of Science and Technology.

15 - Government extended existing foreign trade policy (2015-20) till March 2021

The Government extended the existing foreign trade policy (2015-20) till March 2021 amid coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown. Various other changes were also made extending the date of exemptions by one year and extending validity of Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) and Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) authorisations for import purposes.

The advance authorisation is also issued to allow duty free import of inputs, which is physically incorporated in export product. Under the DFIA scheme, exporters are allowed to import certain goods like sugar at zero duty.

16 - ADB announced 100 million US Dollars funding for Indian infrastructure sector

Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced a 100 million US Dollars funding for the Indian infrastructure sector, through the government-promoted National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). It will be investing in NIIF, tranche of funds, which will ensure that the actual money invested will be a few times more than the 100 million dollars.

ADB has been funding to private equity fund managers who may be struggling to raise money from overseas sources. It has made commitments to three funds aggregating to over 2,600 crore rupees or 350 million dollars.

17 - CCI approved joint venture between Adani Green Energy Limited and Total S.A.

The Competition Commission of India approved formation of joint venture between Adani Green Energy Limited and Total S.A. in the business of power generation through solar energy in India. The proposed combination envisages Adani Green Energy Limited transferring certain of its subsidiaries to a newly incorporated company. Subsequently, Total S.A. would directly or indirectly acquire 50% of the equity share capital of the JV.

Total Group is an international integrated energy producer with operations in every sector of the oil and gas industry and Total S.A. is the ultimate parent entity of the Total Group.

18 - Ministry of Corporate Affairs introduced “Companies Fresh Start Scheme 2020”

The Corporate Affairs Ministry (MCA) has come up with the 'Companies Fresh Start Scheme 2020' to enable companies make good of any filing-related defaults, irrespective of duration of default, and make a fresh start as a fully compliant entity.

The new scheme has been introduced to provide relief to law abiding companies and the Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) amid COVID-19 pandemic. MCA has also revised “LLP Settlement Scheme, 2020”. Both the schemes also contain provision for giving immunity from penal proceedings.

19 - ICMR reported three quasi-sub species of COVID-19 virus in circulation in India

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) unveiled in its report that, a mixture of three quasi-subspecies of COVID-19 virus is in circulation in India, but scientists are yet to classify a SARS-Cov-2 variant as an Indian strain. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

A committee named as Science and Technology Empowered Committee is formed to co-ordinate among science agencies, scientists, industries and regulatory bodies and take speedy decisions on research and development keeping in view of the critical need to increase the testing facilities for COVID-19 disease.

20 - Operation Sanjeevani: IAF airlifted medical and hospital consumables for the Maldives

IAF launched 'Operation Sanjeevani' to airlift around 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables onboard C-130 aircraft from India to Maldives. Medicines including influenza vaccines, anti-viral drugs such as Lopinavir and Ritonavir (these two medicines are being used in other countries to treat COVID-19) have gone to the Maldives.

This is the first such assistance by India in fight against COVID. India has also supplied essential food grains and edibles despite logistical challenges in wake of lockdown.

21 - Government of India launched training module 'iGOT' for management of COVID-19

Government has launched a training module for management of COVID-19 named ‘Integrated Government Online training (iGOT) portal on DIKSHA platform of Ministry of Human Resources and Development. The portal aims at enhancing capacity building of front line workers to handle the pandemic efficiently.

To begin with nine courses on iGOT have been launched on topics like Basics of COVID, ICU Care and Ventilation Management, Clinical Management, Infection Prevention through PPE, Infection Control and Prevention, Quarantine and Isolation, Laboratory Sample Collection and Testing, Management of COVID 19 Cases, COVID 19 Training.

22 - NHAI achieved highest ever construction of National Highways in FY 2019-20

NHAI has accomplished construction of 3,979 km of national highways in the financial year 2019-20. With this, NHAI has achieved an all-time high construction, since its inception in 1995. Government has envisaged an ambitious highway development programme Bharatmala Pariyojana, which includes development of about 65,000 km national highways.

Under Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana, the Ministry has approved implementation of 34,800 km of national highways in 5 years with an outlay of Rs. 5,35,000 crore. NHAI has been mandated development of about 27,500 km of national highways under Bharatmal Pariyojna Phase-I.

23 - Government sanctioned Rs. 15,000 crores for India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package

`The Government of India sanctioned Rs. 15,000 crore for the "India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package" aimed at fighting the global pandemic. The funds sanctioned will be utilized for immediate support (amount of Rs.7,774 crores) and rest for medium-term support (1-4 years).

The project will be implemented in three phases from January 2020 to March 2024. The key objectives of the package include mounting emergency response to slow and limit COVID-19 in India. The government has already disbursed Rs 4,113 crore to all states and Union Territories to deal with the emergency COVID-19 response.

24 - Lifeline UDAN launched by Union Civil Aviation Ministry

Union Civil Aviation Ministry launched ‘Lifeline Udan’ to ensure a steady supply of essentials, even in the most remote locations. Lifeline Udan is a government initiative for air transport of medical cargo and essential supplies across India at the time of the Covid-19 crisis.

The flights under the initiative ‘Lifeline Udan’ have been operated by Air India, Alliance Air, Indian Air Force, Pawan Hans and private carriers. More than 138 tonnes of medical supplies have been supplied through 107 flights across the country till April 3.

25 - PM, President and MPs to take 30% salary cut, MPLAD funds suspended for two years

The Union Cabinet has promulgated an ordinance to effect a 30% pay cut for all members of Parliament (MPs), including the PM, President, MPs and Governors starting from April 1, 2020, for a year due to the impact of the novel coronavirus.

The Union Cabinet has also approved the temporary suspension of Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund scheme during 2020-21 and 2021-22. These funds will be used for managing health services and the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

26 - “Swasth ke Sipahi” delivered essential medicines under PMBJP

Pharmacists, popularly known as "Swasth ke Sipahi", of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra, delivered essential services and medicines at doorstep of patients and elderly under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). PMJKs are being run by Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India(BPPI) under Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.

Presently, more than 6300 PMJAKs are functioning across the nation, covering 726 districts of the country. In order to stop the spreading of Coronavirus, Government of India placed a lockdown of 21 days i.e. up to 14^th April, 2020, across the country.

27 - MHRD declared DigiLocker as National Academic Depository

The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has designated DigiLocker as the sole National Academic Depository (NAD) and has also directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to implement NAD as a permanent scheme within DigiLocker.

DigiLocker is primarily a cloud-based safe, which allows users to store electronic versions of important documents like Aadhaar card, birth certificates, voters ID cards, PAN cards, driving license, property documents and provides access to these on the go.

28 - USAID provided $2.M to support India's COVID-19 efforts

The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced $2.9 million to support India in its response to the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19. The funds will help the Government of India slow the spread of COVID-19, provide care for the affected, and support local communities with the tools needed to contain the disease.

These new funds will support two organizations: $2.4 million for USAID's health strengthening project, implemented by Jhpiego, an international non-profit health organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, and $500,000 for the World Health Organization (WHO).

29 - TRIFED launched a digital campaign in collaboration with UNICEF

TRIFED has collaborated with UNICEF for developing a digital communication strategy for promoting a digital campaign for Self Help Groups (SHGs) to ensure Tribal Gatherers carry on their work safely, highlighting the importance of Social Distancing.

UNICEF would provide the necessary support to be circulated to the SHG centers in the form of Digital Multimedia content, Webinars for Virtual trainings (basic orientation on COVID response, key preventive behaviours), Social Media campaigns (on social distancing, home quarantine, etc.) and Vanya Radio.

30 - Biofortified carrot variety developed by farmer scientist

Shri Vallabhbhai Vasrambhai Marvaniya, a farmer scientist from the Junagarh district of Gujarat, has developed a Madhuban gajar which is a biofortified carrot variety with high Beta-Carotene & iron. It has been benefitting more than 150 local farmers in the area and the average yield, which is 40-50 t/ha, has become the main source of income to the local farmers.

The Madhuvan Gajar is a highly nutritious carrot variety developed through the selection method with higher β-carotene content (277.75 mg/kg) and iron content (276.7 mg/kg) dry.

31 - Three types of Health Care Facilities set up to manage COVID-19 cases

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has classified hospitals and health facilities into following three types of COVID-19 health centres −

COVID Care Centre: These centres will attend cases that are clinically assigned as very mild or mild. They are makeshift facilities. They can be hostels, stadiums, schools, lodges, etc.
Dedicated COVID Health Centre: These centres will attend cases that are assigned as “moderate”. These centres will compulsorily have oxygen support in all beds.
Dedicated COVID Hospital: These hospitals attend cases that have been clinically assigned as “severe”.

32 - India topped Hydroxychloroquine production export chart

India became largest producer and exporter of Hydroxychloroquine with 70% of annual global production due to availability of enough stock of API and manufacturing capacity of Hydroxychloroquine formulations to meet country's requirement as well as export obligations.

The use of Hydroxychloroquine is as prophylaxis and not as treatment. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug. It is also being used for Covid-19 treatment. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by Sars-Cov2 virus.

33 - ICMR approved plasma therapy for COVID-19 treatment

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Kerala, has obtained approval from ICMR to provide innovative plasma therapy treatment to patients suffering from COVID-19 disease. “Convalescent-plasma therapy” aims at using the immune power gained by a recovered person to treat a sick person. The therapy, like blood transfusion, harvests the antibody from a recovered patient and ingest into a sick person. Helped by the antibody, the immune system mounts robust combat on the virus.

The Trivandrum based SCTIMST is an Institution of National Importance under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

34 - ICMR approved diagnostic machines used for coronavirus tests

As part of its efforts to ramp up the testing capacity, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) approved the use of diagnostic machines used for testing drug-resistant tuberculosis for conducting coronavirus tests. ICMR has validated 'TruenatTM beta CoV test on TruelabTM workstation' and has recommended it as a screening test.

Under Truenat beta CoV, throat or nasal swabs will be collected in the viral transport medium (VTM) with virus lysis buffer provided along with the kit. , Truenat beta CoV test should only be performed with all biosafety precautions in BSL-2 or BSL-3 setups at laboratories.

35 - HRD Ministry launched Bharat Padhe Online campaign

Human Resources Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank launched Bharat Padhe Online campaign for improving online education ecosystem of India. The campaign aims to invite all the best brains in India to share suggestions or solutions directly with HRD Ministry to overcome constraints of online education, while promoting the available digital education platforms.

The ideas can be shared on bharatpadheonline.mhrd@gmail.com and the educators across the country can also come forward to contribute with their expertise in the field of education.

36 - ADB assured India of 2.2 billion US dollar support to fight against COVID-19 pandemic

Asian Development Bank has assured India of 2.2 billion dollars (16,500 crore rupees) support to India in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will help alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic on the poor; informal workers; micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises; and the financial sector.

ADB assistance for India will be further increased if needed. All financing options available with ADB will be considered to meet India's needs, including emergency assistance, policy-based loans, and budget support to facilitate swift disbursement of funds.

37 - IIL united with Griffith University to develop Covid-19 vaccine

Hyderabad-based vaccine manufacturer Indian Immunologicals (IIL) and Griffith University in Australia united to develop a potential vaccine named as 'Live Attenuated SARS – CoV-2 vaccine'. It is developed using codon de-optimisation technology. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) will conduct clinical trials.

Vero cell platform technology will be used for mass production of the vaccine. The vaccine will be highly effective by providing very strong cellular and antibody immune responses against the virus.

38 - SCTIMST scientists designed super absorbent material for safe management of infected respiratory secretions

Scientists at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) have designed and developed a highly efficient superabsorbent material for liquid respiratory and other body fluid solidification and disinfection for the safe management of infected respiratory secretions. The material is titled Chitra Acrylosorb Secretion Solidification System’.

AcryloSorb can absorb liquids at least 20 times more than its dry weight and also contains a decontaminant for in situ disinfection. Containers filled with this material will immobilise the contaminated fluid by solidifying it (gel-like), thus avoiding spillage and will also disinfect it.

39 - CSIR-NCL & BEL inked partnership to develop IR Thermometer and OEU

CSIR’s constituent Lab, CSIR-NCL Pune partnered with Bharat Electronics Ltd, Pune and developed Digital IR Thermometer and Oxygen Enrichment Unit (OEU) to assist within the mitigation of the Coronavirus outbreak. About 100 prototype units will be made for pilot distribution and testing at TUV Rheinland India Pvt Ltd., Bangalore.

Oxygen enrichment unit (OEUs) will increase the oxygen concentration from the ambient air of 21-22% to 38-40%. OEU is hollow fiber membrane bundles for separation and filtration of ambient air to produce enriched oxygen for patients in home and hospital settings.

40 - CollabCAD launched in Atal Tinkering Labs

Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and National Informatics Centre jointly launched CollabCAD, a collaborative network, computer enabled software system, providing a total engineering solution from 2D drafting & detailing to 3D product design. The aim of this initiative is to provide a great platform to students to create and modify 3d designs with free flow of creativity and imagination.

This software would also enable students to create data across the network and concurrently access the same design data for storage and visualisation. AIM also launched the Game Development module, where students can start their learning journey, while tinkering from home.

41 - 5,000 crores transferred for free delivery of LPG to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries’

Oil marketing companies have initiated transfer of Rs 5,606 crore to 7.15 Crore Pradhan Mantri Ujwala Yojana beneficiary accounts for availing free delivery of LPG cylinder under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan package. There are 27.87 Crore active LPG consumers in the country, with the PMUY beneficiaries accounting for over 8 crore.

Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, free LPG Refills are to be provided to Ujjwala beneficiaries over the period of 3 months, from April to June. Since the lockdown, 50 to 60 lakh cylinders are being delivered daily in the country.

42 - COVID-19 hotspots categorised as Red Zones, Green zones and Orange zones

The COVID-19 hotspots have been named as Red Zones, Green zones and Orange zones depending on intensity of spread of Covid-19. Red zones indicate infection hotspots, orange denotes some infection, while green indicates an area with no infections. Six major Indian cities, including the capital Delhi and the financial capital Mumbai, were designated coronavirus "red zones". Around 170 districts of India were designated red zones.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu).

43 - DST funded startup developed Active Virosome Vaccine Production

Seagull Bio Solutions, a startup working on new biological technologies, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), developed Active Virosome (AV)-Vaccine and Immunodiagnostic kits for COVID-19 emergency. AVT is useful for the production of vaccines & immunotherapeutic agents.

The AVT platform is useful for producing novel, non-hazardous & economical Active Virosome agents expressing desired antigens from the target pathogen. These will be used to develop a novel vaccine and immunodiagnostic ELISA kits for COVID-19. Immunodiagnostic kits are expected to be ready by Aug 2020.

44 - Wormivet Herbal Medication developed by NIF to treat worms

National Innovation Foundation India (NIF) has brought out an indigenous herbal medication (dewormer) in form of commercial product for livestock owners as an alternate to chemical method of treatment of worm.

Internal parasite is a significant health problem as it causes diarrhoea, loss in body weight, anaemia, reproductive health concern, thereby limiting productivity and growth. Inappropriate use of chemical dewormer generates resistance. The presence of internal parasite during regular diagnosis and contamination of soil health by chemical based therapy necessitates alternative sustainable therapies. NIF helped organise the knowledge to control endoparasite infestation and its valorization.

45 - HRD Minister launched VidyaDaan 2.0

The Union Human Resource Development Ministry has launched VidyaDaan 2.0 for inviting e-learning content contributions. VidyaDaan is conceptualised as a common national program for individuals & organisations across the country to donate/contribute e-learning resources. The content will be used on the DIKSHA app to help millions of children across the country to continue their learning anytime and anywhere.

The programme has been launched due to the increasing requirement for e-learning content for students in the backdrop of Covid- 19 and also due to the urgent need to integrate digital education with schooling.

46 - Cabinet approved relaxation of Aadhaar data seeding for beneficiaries of Assam, Meghalaya, J&K & Ladakh

The Cabinet approved to relax the mandatory requirement of Aadhaar data seeding for beneficiaries of Assam, Meghalaya and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for release of benefits under PM-Kisan Scheme upto 31^st March 2021. From 1^st December 2019, release of benefits is done only through Aadhaar seeded data of beneficiaries uploaded on the PM-KISAN portal.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme aims to provide an amount of Rs.6000/- per year in three 4-monthly installments of Rs.2000/- each directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

47 - Cabinet approved fixation of Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for Phosphatic & Potassic fertilizers

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval for fixation of Nutrient Based Subsidy, NBS rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P and K) Fertilizers for the year 2020-21.The approved rates for NBS will be Rs 18.78 per kg for Nitrogen, Rs 14.88 per kg for Phosphorus, Rs 10.11 per kg for Potash and Rs 2.37 per kg for Sulphur.

The CCEA also approved the inclusion of a complex fertilizer namely Ammonium Phosphate under the NBS Scheme. The expected expenditure for release of subsidy on Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers during 2020-21 will be over Rs 22,186 crore.

48 - Cabinet approved Rs. 15,000 Crore for ''India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package"

The Union Cabinet has approved investments of Rs. 15,000 crore for 'India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package'. The funds sanctioned will be utilised in three phases. Rs 7,774 crore has been provisioned for immediate COVID-19 Emergency Response and rest for medium-term support (1-4 years) to be provided under mission mode approach.

Rs 3,000 crore has been released under the Package to States for strengthening of existing health facilities as COVID Dedicated Hospitals, Dedicated COVID Health Center and Dedicated COVID Care Centers. All health workers have been covered with insurance under the “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package”.

49 - TIFAC plans to come up with white paper on strategising revival of Indian economy after COVID-19

The Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) is preparing a white paper to strategise revival of post-COVID 19 Indian economy. This document would mainly focus on strengthening Make in India initiatives, commercialisation of Indigenous technology, developing a technology-driven transparent Public Distribution System (PDS), adoption of emerging technology domains like AI, Machine Learning, Data Analytics and many more.

TIFAC is an autonomous technology think tank under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.

50 - SVP Institute becomes first to carry out plasma research in view of Covid-19

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Science and Research became the first authorized study centre in the country to carry out plasma research under trial in view of Covid 19. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Ahmedabad based institute.

In the Convalescent plasma therapy, antibodies from the blood of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 are used to treat severely infected patients.

51 - New Development Bank announced one-billion-dollar emergency assistance to India

New Development Bank has announced financial assistance of about five billion dollars to BRICS countries including Emergency Assistance of one billion dollar to India to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

The NDB was established by the BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa in 2014. The purpose of the Bank is to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries to complement the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

52 - Ministry of Tourism launched its "DekhoApnaDesh" webinar

Ministry of Tourism launched a new webinar series, "Dekho Apna Desh", to provide information on the many destinations and the sheer depth and expanse of the culture and heritage of Incredible India. The first webinar touched upon the long history of Delhi and was titled " City of Cities- Delhi's Personal Diary'.

The other webinars were as follows:

“Calcutta – A Confluence of Cultures”
“The Monuments of Mammallapuram – Stories Etched in Stone”
“World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism at Humayun’s Tomb”
“Ladakh – Explore the Unexplored”

53 - Government amends the extant FDI policy

The Government of India amended the extant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy 2017 for curbing opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of Indian companies, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. According to new revised policy, an entity of a country, which shares land border with India or where the beneficial owner of an investment into India is situated in or is a citizen of any such country, can invest only under the government route.

This change has brought China in the ambit of ‘government permission’. There are two modes on FDI in India: automatic route and government route.

54 - BRO builds 484-meter permanent bridge on Ravi

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed and opened a new permanent bridge on the river Ravi connecting Kasowal enclave in Punjab to the rest of the country. The bridge was built at a cost ₹17.89 crore, excluding the approaches. It consists of 16 cells of 30.25-metre length each.

The bridge is 484-meter-long and it was built by 141 Drain Maintenance Coy of 49 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) of Project Chetak. BRO has succeeded in constructing the road much ahead of its schedule.

55 - Government launched online data pool of critical human resource

Union Government has created an online data pool on https://covidwarriors.gov.in/. The Dashboard is a master database of details of Healthcare Professionals and Volunteers and it has been made operational. It contains state wise and dustrict wise availability of the large pool of human resources from various groups alongwith contact details of the nodal officers.

The dashboard is available for use by various authorities to prepare Crisis Management and Contingency Plans based on the available manpower, in co-ordination with nodal officers for each group.

56 - Government launched National list of intangible cultural heritage of India in New Delhi

The government launched the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India in New Delhi in order to create awareness about the various intangible cultural heritage sites from different states of India at national and international level and ensure their protection.

This list is a part of the vision 2024 of the Culture Ministry & has been built in collaboration with Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

57 - HRD Minister launched web portal 'YUKTI'

Minister for Human Resource Development Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank launched a web-portal YUKTI (Young India Combating COVID with Knowledge, Technology and Innovation) in New Delhi. The portal will monitor and record the efforts and initiatives of Ministry of HRD. The portal will cover both qualitative and quantitative parameters for effective delivery of services to the academic community at large.

The portal will also allow various institutions to share their strategies for various challenges and give inputs for better planning.

58 - KVIC developed double-layered Khadi masks

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has successfully developed a double layered Khadi mask. KVIC has also bagged an order to supply 7.5 lakh pieces of Khadi Masks to Jammu & Kashmir Government.

KVIC is using double twisted Khadi fabric for manufacturing of these masks as it helps retain 70% of the moisture content inside, while providing an easy passage for the air to pass through. The masks are made of hand-spun, hand-woven khadi fabric which is breathable, easy to reuse, washable and biodegradable.

59 - Government plans to set up ‘Suraksha Stores’ to meet daily needs

The government of India plans to set up a chain of 20 lakh retail shops called 'Suraksha Stores' across India. These 'Suraksha Stores' will provide daily essentials to citizens while maintaining stringent safety norms in the wake of COVID-19. The Suraksha Stores will not only be for groceries but also consumer durables, apparel and salons.

Also, the Consumer Affairs Ministry is working on creating 'Suraksha Circle' where lead manufacturing plants will help their business partners and smaller factories in their vicinity.

60 - CDRI signed MoU with KGMU to sequence virus strains

Central Drug Research Institute has inked an MoU with King George’s Medical University, Lucknow to sequence the virus strains obtained from COVID-19 patients in Uttar Pradesh. Initially, the Lucknow-based lab will sequence the virus strains from the samples of a few patients. As of now, eight different variants of the virus are known to be causing the COVID-19 infection.

A team has been put into place for analyzing whether changes to the viral sequences, if any, will impact the proposed treatment strategies.

61 - MNRE urged to set up renewable energy equipment parks

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has urged states to set up renewable energy (RE) equipment manufacturing parks to meet domestic demand as well as make India a global production hub. Many international firms are looking to move their production base out of China after the COVID-19 outbreak.

RE facilities will manufacture equipment like silicon ingots and wafers, solar cells and modules, wind power equipment and ancillary items like back sheet, glass, steel frames, inverters and batteries.

62 - AIIB to invest $500 million funding for healthcare system in India

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is considering a proposal for financing $500-million project in India to strengthen country's national health care systems. The objective of the project is to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by COVID-19 and to strengthen national health systems for preparedness in India.

This project is proposed under the COVID-19 Recovery Facility. AIIB (the Bank) will co-finance this project with the World Bank (WB).

63 - Government raised red flags over video conference app Zoom

The Union home ministry has red flagged video conferencing software Zoom as unsafe and vulnerable to cyber crimes. MHA has asked government officials not to use Zoom video meet app for holding meetings. The MHA has red-flagged the platform following advisories issued by the national cyber-security agency – Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-in).

The US-based Zoom app, according to the government, can be easily hacked and confidential data and material stolen. The Cyber Co-ordination (CyCord) Centre of MHA has issued a detailed advisory for private individuals, who want to use the platform for private purposes.

64 - AIIMS set up India’s first remote health monitoring system in Rishikesh

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh along with Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited (BHEL) has set up India’s 1^st remote health monitoring system. The system is developed for state of Uttarakhand to monitor COVID-19 patients.

The digital medical system helps the doctor sitting in AIIMS to monitor the patient's body temperature and the amount of oxygen in the blood and the speed of his breath, while at home and the vital parameters of the patient will be displayed in the AIIMS command & control center.

65 - Integrated geospatial platform “SAHYOG” rolled out by DST

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has created an Integrated Geospatial Platform out of available geospatial datasets, standards-based services, and analytic tools, named as “SAHYOG”. It is to help decision making during the current COVID-19 outbreak and aid devising area-specific strategies to handle the socio-economic impact in the recovery phase.

The mobile application SAHYOG, as well as the web portal (https://indiamaps.gov.in/soiapp/) prepared by the Survey of India, has been customised to collect COVID-19 specific geospatial datasets through, community engagement to augment the response activities by Government of India to the pandemic.

66 - PM launched E-Gramswaraj Portal, Mobile App

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the e-Gramswaraj Portal and Mobile app as well as Swamitva Scheme for the upliftment of the rural areas of India. The portal was launched on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day 2020.

e-Gramswaraj Portal and Mobile app helps to prepare and plan Gram Panchayat Development Plans. The portal is a major step towards digitisation down to the Gram Panchayat level. The Swamitva scheme was launched in pilot mode in 6 states to map rural inhabited lands using drones and latest survey methods. It will ensure streamlined planning, revenue collection and provide clarity over property rights in rural areas.

67 - Government launched Kisan Rath Mobile App

Agriculture Ministry has launched Kisan Rath Mobile App to facilitate transportation of food grains and perishables during lockdown. This mobile application is developed by the National Informatics Centre to ensure farmers and traders are able to find transport for Agriculture and Horticulture produce.

“Kisan Rath” will ensure smooth and seamless supply linkages between farmers, warehouses, FPOs, APMC mandis and intra-State & inter-State buyers and help in reduction of food wastage by providing timely services.

68 - NTPC launched Hydrogen Fuel bus and car project for Leh and New Delhi

NTPC Ltd has invited Global Expression of Interest (EoI) to provide 10 Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FC) based electric buses and an equal number of Hydrogen Fuel Cell based electric cars in Leh and Delhi. The EoI has been issued by NTPC's wholly owned subsidiary, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) Limited.

The move to procure Hydrogen Fuel Cell based vehicles is first of its kind project in the country, wherein a complete solution from green energy to the fuel cell vehicle would be developed. The move to launch hydrogen powered vehicles aims at decarbonising mobility segment.

69 - India looks up to IMF and World Bank to fill data gaps

India has approached International Monetary Fund and World Bank to prepare economic indicators such as industrial production, retail inflation and economic growth. The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown has created the challenge of data inadequacy, which could affect the accuracy and reliability of the indicators.

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has, hence, collaborated with global institutions on data collection practices and to learn from the experiences of other countries facing the same issues.

70 - CSIR-NBRI scientist developed herbal decongestant spray on mask to protect from suffocation

Scientists at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, have developed a herbal decongestant spray. The spray will address breathing and congestion in the respiratory system, which is caused by wearing a mask for a long time.

Herbal decongestant spray is a fine blend of four plant-based oils. The product is developed based on the principles of Ayurveda. Lucknow-based NBRI is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

71 - CSIR-IICT initiatives to reduce dependency for APIs and drug intermediates

Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad has collaborated with integrated pharmaceutical company, LAXAI Life Sciences, to develop and manufacture APIs and drug intermediates. The initiative may help in reducing the dependency of the Indian pharmaceutical sector on Chinese imports of these ingredients.

The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are also known as bulk drugs. They are the main part of the drugs that produce intended effects. Around two-third of the API of India are imported from China.

72 - ADB approved USD 1.5 billion loan to India to help fight corona virus

Asian Development Bank has approved 1.5 billion dollars loan to India to help fund its fight against corona virus pandemic. The loan has been sanctioned with a view to support immediate priorities such as disease containment and prevention, as well as social protection for the poor and economically vulnerable sections.

The quick-disbursing fund is part of a larger package of support that ADB will provide in close coordination with the government and other development partners.

73 - CSCs to spearhead online retail for rural India

Government of India is positioning Common Service Centres (CSCs) as an alternative to foreign online retailing giants like Flipkart and Amazon to provide essential products and services in India’s rural areas. The outlets are set up and run by private individuals but under the aegis of the ministry of electronics and IT.

Customers can go online and order supplies through a specially curated app that has been provided to village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) or those given the charge of retail and other CSC activities.