CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: DIFFERENT STAGES OF A PANDEMIC
1. FIRST STAGE - The first stage is when cases of an infection are imported into a country which was not the source of the infection. In this case, all the countries outside of China which started reporting cases of coronavirus, reached Stage 1 of the outbreak as soon as they reported their first case. If an infection is contained after transmission to only a few countries, it does not become a pandemic, but if it cannot be contained in a short span of time and spreads across the globe, like COVID-19 did, it becomes a pandemic.
2. SECOND STAGE - The second stage of an outbreak is when there are cases of local transmission in the country. This means that the person from whom the infection spread to another person is from the country itself. In this stage, the trajectory of the virus can be identified from the source to all the infected individuals.
3. THIRD STAGE - Community transmission is the third stage of an outbreak. In this stage, it becomes hard to track the chain of transmission of the virus in a large number of cases. This means that the virus has started circulating within the community and can also infect those individuals who have neither travelled to a country affected by the outbreak nor have come into the contact of a person infected by the virus. In this case, a lockdown becomes highly important as any person can spread the virus, regardless of their travel history or the people they have come in contact with.
4. FOURTH STAGE - The fourth stage of an outbreak is when an infection becomes endemic in some countries and keeps resurfacing round the year, like malaria and dengue in India. This is a stage that the Indian government has taken into account in its plan to tackle the virus. These stages of an outbreak remain uniform across the world to make coordination and understanding simpler, so that countries can be prepared accordingly.
NATIONAL NEWS
1. PM Modi announces a complete lockdown for 21 days in 30 States & UTs in view of Covid-19 outbreak
Government has announced a complete lockdown of the entire country for 21 days to fight COVID-19 from 25th March 2020 midnight. All road, rail and air services will remain suspended during the lockdown. However, freight movement will continue to carry essential commodities across the country. Essential services like Medical shops, Petrol pumps, grocery stores milk booths, and online shopping have been exempted from the lockdown.
India intensified the Covid-19 lockdown by stopping all domestic flights from midnight of 25th March 2020 and said those out and about without good reason could face arrest and jail time. The Centre asked all states to take strict legal action against violators after PM Narendra Moditweeted his displeasure amid TV pictures of people milling about in crowded markets and elsewhere.
Apart from those classed as performing essential services, people venturing out could be arrested, fined up to Rs 1,000 and jailed for as much as six months. The states will invoke Sections 188 and 269 of the Indian Penal Code, which are both bailable. As many as 30 states and union territories, totaling 548 districts, imposed total lockdowns.
Section 188 implies violation of orders by a public servant that can endanger human life, health or safety. The other two sections that can be invoked, the state police chiefs said, were 269 and 270 for infected people flouting quarantine rules. These sections imply negligent acts and malignant acts respectively, to spread infection of disease dangerous to life.
Sections 188 and 269 come with a jail term up to six months and a fine of Rs 1,000 and are bailable. Section 270 stipulates jail of up to two years. Singer Kanika Kapoor, who had tested positive for Covid-19, was charged by the Uttar Pradesh police under all the three sections for attending parties upon her return from the UK and not going into self-quarantine.
2. PM Narendra Modi announces PM-CARES fund to fight coronavirus outbreak
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of an assistance and emergency situation relief fund where people can contribute and help in the government's fight against coronavirus.
PM-CARES stand for Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund. This Fund will also cater to similar distressing situations, if they occur in the times ahead. While the prime minister is the chairman of the new public charitable trust, its members include the defence minister (Rajnath Singh), home minister (Amit Shah) and the finance minister (Nirmala Sitaraman).
3. Home Ministry issues guidelines for strict enforcement of lockdown
The Union Home Ministry has issued strict guidelines for the enforcement of 21-day complete nationwide lockdown in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, invoking the National Disaster Management Act which may result in imprisonment of up to two years for any violation.
All government offices, the offices of state and union territory governments, autonomous institutions, public corporations, commercial, private, industrial establishments shall remain closed.
However, fair price shops and those dealing with food, groceries, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, animal fodder will remain open.Banks, insurance offices, print and electronic media will also remain open, according to the guidelines.All transport services -- air, rail and roadways -- shall remain suspended during the three-week period.
In case of funerals, congregations of not more than 20 persons will be permitted.
Hospitality services and educational institutions will remain suspended during the period.
However, hotels, homestays, lodges and motels which are accommodating tourists and people stranded due to the lockdown, medical and emergency staff, air and sea crew have been exempted.
Defence, Central Armed Police Forces, treasury, public utilities including petroleum, CNG, LPG, PNG, disaster management, power, warning agencies, state police, home guards, fire and emergency services, district administration and treasury, electricity, water, sanitation, and Municipal bodies (only staff required for essential
services) have been exempted from lockdown.These offices should work with minimum number of employees while all other offices will work from home.
District Magistrates shall deploy Executive Magistrates as incident commander to oversee overall implementation of these measures.To ensure strict implementation of these measures, the government has invoked Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management of Act which mandate up to two years of imprisonment for any violation by individuals, companies or officials involved in implementation.
Shops for seeds and pesticides data and call centre for government, manufacturing units of essential goods, including drugs, pharmaceutical, medical devices, their raw material and intermediates, coal and mineral production, transportation, supply of explosives and activities incidental to mining operations were exempted from the 21-day lockdown.
Manufacturing units of packaging material for food items, drugs, pharmaceutical and medical devices, inter-state movement of goods/cargo for inland and exports, cross land border movement of essential goods including petroleum products and LPG, food products, medical supplies were also exempted.
The guidelines said all educational, training, research, coaching institutions etc., shall remain closed, places of worship shall remain closed. No religious congregations will be permitted, without any exception.
4. Covid-19: Jharkhand to give 2 months' ration in advance
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said his government has decided to provide two months ration in advance to the beneficiaries of the public distribution system.
Jharkhand has not reported any Covid-19 case so far.
The state government had issued a rate- chart of essential items at the public distribution outlets, following reports that a few ration shops were charging higher prices for commodities and some others selling them in the black market, taking advantage of the lockdown.The government had also assured people that it has sufficient food items in stock to last for several days.
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray said the administration has launched an app - VeggiGo - for people to place order for essential commodities.
5. E-passes for essential services- Arvind Kejriwal
Citizens engaged in essential services in Delhi can call 1031 on WhatsApp to avail e-passes to be able to commute to work, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.
e-passes were not required for the general public, who were free to visit local shops for the purchase of essential items, even as he sought to assure citizens that Delhi was prepared to ensure the supply of essential goods to residents during the 21-day “total lockdown” ordered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contain the spread of COVID-19.
6. Digital Industry to temporarily default HD content streaming to SD
With a surge in mobile internet consumption amid a countrywide lockdown, all companies in the digital industry have decided to "temporarily default High Definition (HD) and ultra-HD streaming to Standard Definition (SD) content" or offer only SD content at bitrates no higher than 480p on cellular networks until April 14, according to public broadcaster Prasar Bharati.The move comes as there has been an unprecedented rise in mobile internet consumption as people are staying at their homes in the wake of COVID-19 threat.
7. EC allows use of indelible ink stamp for home quarantine
The Election Commissionhas allowed usage of indelible inkby health authorities for stamping &home quarantined on the hands of those suspected of being infected with the new coronavirus, easing its policy of using the ink only for voting purposes.
The poll panel has, however, said authorities should be instructed not to use the ink on any finger of the left hand, as under Rule 49K of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, the left forefinger of electors is required to be marked with indelible ink at the polling stations before a vote is cast.
It also suggested the health ministry may standardise the mark and the location on the body where the ink is to be applied. The indelible ink mark normally stays for three days when applied on the skin.
It also suggested the health ministry may standardise the mark and the location on the body where the ink is to be applied. The indelible ink mark normally stays for three days when applied on the skin.
8. Act against those who hide travel history: High Court
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court (HC) directed the authorities of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to enforce their orders regarding disclosure on travel history in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.Hearing a public interest litigation appeal through video conferencing from Srinagar, Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Sindhu Sharma in an order said that judicial notice can be taken of several cases being reported in the electronic and the print media with regard to persons who were concealing their foreign travel history, to escape the mandatory quarantine.
9. Jammu and Kashmir constitutes commission for welfare of socially, educationally backward classes
Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a commission for socially and educationally backward classes in the union territory. It will look into the issues of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the J&K.Justice GD Sharma has been appointed as chairperson, and former IFS Rup Lal Bharti and IPS officer Munir Ahmed Khan as members of the commission. The commission will determine the criteria to be adopted in considering any section of the people in Jammu and Kashmir as Socially and Educationally Backward Class.
10. Meghalaya CM presents deficit budget of Rs 1532 crore
Meghalaya Chief Minister ConradK Sangma tabled a Rs 1,532-crore deficit budget for 2020-21, projecting a total expenditure of Rs 17,432 crore, including a developmental budget of Rs 8,616 crore.K Sangma on Thursday tabled a Rs 1,532-crore deficit budget for 2020-21, projecting a total expenditure of Rs 17,432 crore, including a developmental budget of Rs 8,616 crore.
The total receipts for the fiscal is estimated at Rs 17,375 crore, of which revenue receipts are pegged at Rs 15,353 crore and capital receipts at Rs 2,022 crore, the chief minister said.
11. Home Ministry gives approval for creation of 1,018 posts in CISF
The Union Home Ministryhas approved the creation of more than 1,000 posts in the CISFto augment its strength to effectively guard vital installations, including airports, atomic installations, metro networks. The Central Industrial Security Force(CISF) guards about 60 civil airports in the country and has an elite VVIP security wing under its command called the Special Security Group ( (CISF) guards about 60 civil airports in the country and has an elite VVIP security wing under its command called the Special Security Group.
The Home ministry has given sanction for creation of 899 posts in the CISF and subsequently another 119 posts. The current strength of the CISF is about 1.8 lakh personnel.The CISF guards civil airports, nuclear plants, power stations, vital government buildings, the Delhi Metro besides a host of other key installations.
The government has recently handed over the security related duties of Srinagar and Jammu airports to the CISF. The CISF replaced the Jammu and The government has recently handed over the security related duties of Srinagar and Kashmir Police in these two airports.After it was tasked to secure vital infrastructure in the private sectors post the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the force's role in this domain is also increasing with about a dozen private sector facilities already under its security.
12. Election Commission brings out new self-declaration format for parties
The Election Commissionhas issued a new self-declaration formatfor political parties to ensure that they make public the criminal antecedents of every candidate, explaining the reasons for selecting such a person.
This was done to ensure that they make public the criminal antecedents of every candidate, explaining the reasons for selecting such a person.
The new C-7 format to be published in newspapers, on social media platforms and the websites of the parties will now have additional columns 2 and 3.
Column 2 will ask parties to declare reasons for selecting a candidate with criminal antecedents in not more than 100 words. It will specify that the selection explained should be with reference to the qualifications, achievements and merit of the candidate and not mere winnability. Column 3 will ask parties to list out in not more than 100 words reasonsas to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected as candidates.
Parties will also have to mention the constituency from where a candidate with criminal antecedents is being fielded, the nature of offences, cases and court number and name, whether or not charges have been framed, whether or not there has been a conviction, details of punishment undergone if any.
The information shall also be published in a regional newspaper and a national newspaper in a font size of at least 12, on the official social media platforms of the party, including Facebook and Twitter.This new format is to be made public within 48 hours of the selection of a candidate by a political party and at least two weeks before the candidate files his nomination, as per EC directions. Failure to do so will render the party liable to contempt proceedings before the SC. It has further clarified that failure to abide by the directions will also be treated as failure to follow a lawful direction of the commission for the purposes of Paragraph-16A of the Elections Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968. This means that the commission can freeze a party’s election symbol in case of a violation.
Political parties are to send a compliance report in the enclosed Format C-8 to the Commission within 72 hours of the selection of the candidate.
The EC move and the court’s directions come against a backdrop of increasing criminalisation of politics.
13. Half of 30 lakh junior government staff to work from home
Taking a cue from the private sector which has adopted work-from-home for its employees, the central government has decided to make half its 30 lakh junior employees immediately work from home till April 4, as the next 15 days are seen as crucial in India for containing the Covid-19 outbreak. Seventy per cent of the work is now done on the e-office framework, so there will be no impact on government functioning and officials working from home will be available on phone and online. Depending on feasibility, one half of the Group B and C employees will work one week and the rest will come to work the following week. Their entry and exit timings are also being staggered in three groups to avoid them all congregating at one time and ensure social distancing. A detailed order has been issued by the personnel ministry to specify the modalities for Group B and C employees. Heads of department (HoDs) may ensure that 50% of Group B and C employees are attending the office every day, and the remaining 50% should be instructed to work from home, it says, adding: “All HoDs are advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for Group B and C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks.” The first roaster of officials coming to work will comprise those living close to their offices and using their own transport, as per the order.
A detailed order has been issued by the personnel ministry to specify the modalities for Group B and C employees. Heads of department (HoDs) may ensure that 50% of Group B and C employees are attending the office every day, and the remaining 50% should be instructed to work from home, it says, adding: “All HoDs are advised to draft a weekly roster of duty for Group B and C staff and ask them to attend office on alternate weeks.” The first roaster of officials coming to work will comprise those living close to their offices and using their own transport, as per the order.The working hours for all employees who attend office on a particular day should be staggered. It is suggested that three groups of employees may be formed and asked to attend office as per the following timings: - (a) 9 AM to 5.30 PM (b) 9.30 AM to 6 PM (c) 10 AM to 6.30 PM. This is expected to make officials coming to office practice social distancing on entry and exit.The officials who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster drawn up should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times. They should attend office if called for any exigency of work.
14. India extends ban on international flights until April 14
All international commercial passenger flights will remain suspended till April 14, aviation regulator DGCA announced, amid a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on March 19 had announced that no international commercial passenger flight operations will take place in India from 1.30 am on March 23 to 5.30 am on March 29.
"In continuation of circular-II dated 19.3.2020 issued on the subject cited-above, it has been decided that all scheduled international commercial passenger services shall remain closed till 1830 hrs GMT (0000 hrs of Indian Standard Time) of April 14, 2020," the aviation regulator said.
"However, this restriction will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA," it said.The government suspended domestic passenger flight operations from midnight on March 24.
15. UP govt announces one month free food grains to poor
The UP governmentdecided free distribution of 5 kg food grains per person and one kg of pulses per household under PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana for next three months to 80 crore poor beneficiaries covered under National food security Act (NFSA) to ensure availability food to poor people during lockdown due to COVID-19.
Under NFSA, the government provides 5 kg of food grains per person at subsidised rates. It provides rice at Rs 2 a kg, rice at Rs 3 a kg coarse grains like bajra at Rs one a kg. The beneficiaries will get the free ration over and above the their monthly quota of 5 kg food grains per month, which has been increased to 7 Kg a month for next three months by the cabinet.That means beneficiary would be entitled to get 12 kg of food grains per month for next three months. Five kg will be free under PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana while 7 kg will be available at subsidised rates over ration shops.
16. Revised guidelines issued for COVID-19 testing
The central government recommended that the maximum charge for each Covid-19 test by private laboratories should not exceed Rs 4,500.All private laboratories which have NABL accreditation for real-time PCR SA for RNA virus will be allowed to conduct COVID-19 tests, according to the guidelines issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing in private laboratories, which were notified by the Union Health Ministry. The National Task Force recommends that the maximum cost for testing should not exceed Rs 4,500. This may include Rs 1,500 as a screening test for suspect cases and an additional Rs 3,000 for confirmation test, the guidelines said.
However, the ICMR encourages free or subsidised testing in this hour of national public health emergency.
According to the guidelines on sample collection and testing, the ICMR has called for ensuring appropriate biosafety and biosecurity precautions while collecting respiratory samples (oropharnygeal and nasal swab) from a patient.
Alternatively, a COVID-19 specific separate sample collection site may be created.
Commercial kits for real-time PCR-based diagnosis of COVID-19 should be US FDA approved or European CE certified or both for in vitro diagnosis of COVID-19 under emergency use, under intimation to the Drug Controller General of India, the guidelines added.
All the laboratory staff involved in COVID-19 testing should be appropriately trained in good laboratory practices and performing real-time PCR. All the biomedicial waste should be disposed off in accordance with national guidelines.
Laboratory test should only be offered when prescribed by a qualified physician as per the ICMR guidelines for COVID-19.
As far as the reporting protocols are concerned, the guidelines said that any laboratory before starting its activities must ensure immediate/real-time reporting of the test results along with the contact details to the ICMR headquarters data base.
Each laboratory will be given a registration number by the ICMR which should be prominently exhibited in case any advertisement is made and also in the report, the notification stated.
The guidelines may be amended from time to time.
17. Soap makers reduce prices, increase production
FMCG players like Hindustan Unilever Ltd, Godrej Consumer and Patanjali said they are helping fight the Covid-19 outbreak by reducing the prices of soaps, hygiene products and ramping up production of these items.
Market leader HUL committed ₹100 crore to help in combating the coronavirus pandemic. In the public interest, HUL is reducing the prices of Lifebuoy sanitizers, Lifebuoy Liquid handwash and Domex floor cleaners by 15 per cent.
HUL will donate 2 crore pieces of Lifebuoy soaps in the next few months to the sections of the society which need it the most.
18. DGCA asks airlines to keep seats between passengers empty
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked all airlinesoperating in domestic circuit to ensure passengers inside the aircraft are not seated next to each other and there remains a seat between two passengers.Seat allocation at the time of check-in to be done in a manner to ensure that the seat between two passengers is kept empty.
The move, which is an attempt by the aviation regulator to ensure social distancingon a flight would help check the spread of between two passengers on a flight would help check the spread of Coronavirus. It would mean that the middle seats in the economy class cabin of aircraft would be kept free.
The recent order is part of various social distancing norm announced by the aviation regulator. These rules include maintaining a distance between two passengers at the time of check-in and boarding. Airlines have also been asked to maintain a gap of 1 metre between two check-in counters.
19. IIT-Delhi team develops cheap COVID-19 test
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology have developed a method to detect COVID-19 which can significantly reduce the test cost, making it affordable for large sections.The National Institute of Virology, Pune, is in the process of validating this test on clinical samples.
The “probe-free detection assay” has been optimised and tested for sensitivity at the research laboratories of IIT. According to the team, considering the scale of the ongoing pandemic, development of indigenous kits is the need of the hour.
The central government recommended that the maximum charge for a COVID-19 test by private laboratories should not exceed ₹4,500.All private laboratories which have NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accreditation for real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) assay for RNA virus will be allowed to conduct COVID-19 tests, according to the guidelines issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for COVID-19 testing in private laboratories, which were notified by the Health Ministry.
20. Hydroxychloroquine now a schedule H1 drug
Hydroxychloroquine is now a schedule H1 drug, and can be sold on prescription only. The sale of the drug from now on should be in accordance with the conditions for sale of drugs specified in Schedule H1 to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.Out of the 4 treatments suggested by the World Health Organization to contain the virus, India adopted the use of Hydroxychloroquine. And hence, exports of the drug were also banned.
21. Punjab is the first State to Impose Curfew
The Punjab government imposed a curfew to stop the spread of coronavirus, making it the first state to take the drastic measure.
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced the curfew as people were defying the lockdown imposed in the state.The deputy commissioners have been asked to issue the necessary orders. Perhaps for the first time after almost three decades, a full curfew has been ordered in Punjab.
22. Odisha launches MO-Jeeban Program
The “Mo Jeeban Programme” was launched by the Odisha Government to contain the spread of COVID-19. The programme was launched by the Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Mo Jeeban’ means ‘My Life’. The State Government through the programme appeals to the people to stay indoors. The programme urges the working population to take an oath in name of their children and parents to cooperate and support by not stepping outside.
23. SC says yes to permanent commission for women in navy
Noting that women officers can sail with same efficiency as male counterparts, the Supreme Court held that officers of both genders had to be treated equally in granting permanent commission in the Navy.There couldn’t be gender discrimination in granting permanent commission to women officers citing psychological conditions, once the statutory bar for inducting women in the navy had been lifted, a Bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud said.The order will enable women navy officers to get permanent commission in ATC and Logistics as also in Education.
The navy had allowed permanent commission to women officers prospectively from 2008. But the benefit of the decision was denied to serving women officers.Grant of permanent commission entitles an officer to serve in the navy till he/she retires, unlike short service commission (SSC), which is for 10 years and can be extended by four years.The verdict came on a petition filed by the Centre against a September 2015 verdict of the Delhi High Court which had said that there was no convincing reason to exclude serving women officers from being considered for grant of permanent commission.Recently, the top court had delivered a similar judgment with regard to women officers in the Army.
24. PM Narendra Modi proposes SAARC fund to combat coronavirus outbreak
At a teleconference between the leaders of SAARC member nations called at Narendra Modi’s initiative, suggested greater cooperation within the grouping, including sharing of experiences and best practices by their respective health experts. Modi suggested SAARC member nations should set up an emergency fund to combat COVID-19, and offered $10 million as India’s initial contribution. Sharing details of India’s preparedness to prevent and contain the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Prime Minister Narendra Moditold leaders of SAARC member countries that India recognised it was “still in an unknown situation” and “cannot predict how the situation will unfold”.
Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his Maldivian counterpart Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and Bhutanese PM Lotay Tshering, all three of whose countries depend heavily on tourism sector that is hit the hardest in recent weeks, called for a common fight not just against COVID-19 but also its economic fallout.SAARC, or South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, has seven member states, but has mostly been dormant, especially over the past six years, because of differences between India and Pakistan. While the heads of state or government of other SAARC member states participated in the teleconference, Pakistan was represented by Zafar Mirza, the special assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan. Mirza, who is also the state minister of health of Pakistan, said it was a matter of concern that COVID-19 had been reported from Jammu & Kashmir.
Several members, including Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, called for a common research platform to coordinate research on controlling epidemic diseases within the region. She said health ministers, secretaries and others should have similar teleconferences.
Modi offered to share the disease surveillance software that India has developed. He said a rapid response team of doctors and specialists in India with testing kits and other equipment would be at the disposal of its neighbours.
25. ‘Chief Minister’s Akhannaba Sanaroising gi Tengbang (CMAST)’ and Chief Minister Artist Sing gi Tengbang (CMAT)’ launched in Manipur
Manipur CM N. Biren Singh launched ‘Chief Minister’s Akhannaba Sanaroising gi Tengbang (CMAST)’ and Chief Minister Artist Sing gi Tengbang (CMAT)’. These would provide benefits to thousands of sportspersons and artistes of the State who have brought laurels to the State and Country.
Under the CMAST Scheme, a suitable employment in government services will be provided to sports persons, who have won medals in notified disciplines in selected International Sports events. The scheme would also support the sports persons on purchasing of costly sports items. Also, cash awards for Olympic participants have been enhanced to 1 crore, 75 lakh, 50 lakh and 10 lakh rupees for different categories. Sportsperson who have represented in National and International tournaments and are unemployed would be given lifetime pension. In scheme for artists, CMAT is designed with a view to encourage the artists in different fields and targeted to cover 4000 artistes in a year. Pension will be given to selected artists who are 60 years and above. Monetary support would be extended to cultural groups or institutes for training and productions in various fields of arts and culture. Financial assistance will also be provided to the students studying in government dance and music institutes in Manipur.
26. All J&K Residents to Get Free Health Insurance in Convergence with Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY
The Jammu and Kashmir administration accorded sanction to rolling out the J&K Health Scheme to provide free of cost Universal Health Coverage to all residents of the Union Territory in convergence with Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY.
The decision was taken by the administrative council which met under the chairmanship of Lt Governor G C Murmu. Around 1.25 crore residents of the Union Territory would get all benefits provided under the centre's Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).At present, 31 lakh people are eligible for benefits under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY, adding around 15 lakh additional families will be covered under the J&K Health Scheme.
As part of Universal Health Coverage, the beneficiaries will be entitled to free health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year on floater basis and there is no restriction on family size, age or gender. All pre-existing illnesses shall also be covered besides; cashless services shall also be available in all the empanelled hospitals. The beneficiaries under the scheme shall have access to 20,853 (public and private) hospitals across the country and avail benefits with facility of inter-state portability.A total of 1,469 medical and surgical packages or procedures including life consuming diseases such as cancer and kidney failure will be covered under the scheme.
Treatment for oncology, cardiology and nephrology related illness will be covered from day one including high-end diagnostic procedures during hospitalisation. The beneficiaries shall also be eligible for coverage of three days pre-hospitalisation and 15 days post hospitalisation expenses. All employees, pensioners and their family members are also covered under the scheme. The employees shall continue to get Rs 300 per month as medical allowance to take care of OPD treatment.Identification of the eligible families for getting registered for the health scheme will be done on the basis of socio-economic census of 2011.However, the families or people who have been left out in the census can be enrolled on the basis of a defined process.
27. J&K govt constitutes commission for welfare of socially, educationally backward classes
Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted a commission for socially and educationally backward classes in the union territory. It will look into the issues of Socially and Educationally Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the J&K.Justice GD Sharma has been appointed as chairperson, and former IFS Rup Lal Bharti and IPS officer Munir Ahmed Khan as members of the commission. The commission will determine the criteria to be adopted in considering any section of the people in Jammu and Kashmir as Socially and Educationally Backward Class.
28. Govt launches WhatsApp chatbot on coronanvirus called MyGov Corona Helpdesk
In an attempt to spread the information about coronavirus far and wide, the Indian government has launched a WhatsApp chatbot called MyGov Corona Helpdesk’ that will provide you with information you need. The chatbot has been developed and implemented by Haptik. Since most people use WhatsApp on a daily basis, a WhatsApp chatbot is an easy and convenient way to get information you need without having to search online or go ask a doctor.Shared by NPPA-India’s (National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority of India) official Twitter handle, the number you need to save is - 9013151515.
While most of the information seems rather rudimentary, this will go a long way in helping people keep a track on symptoms and seek help if they need. As is the case with most health-related issues, rumours and false information kill more poeple than the actual disease itself.A chatbot dispensing the right information is a great initiative for those who do not now enough about the COVID-19 and what they need to do to stay safe.
29. Parliament passes Central Sanskrit Universities bill
The Parliament passed the Central Sanskrit Universities Bill with the Lok Sabha passing the legislation returned by Rajya Sabha with a voice vote.The bill seeks to upgrade three deemed universities in Sanskrit -- Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, and Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth Tirupati -- into central universities.
30. Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath resigns, state government falls
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath resigned from the top post, as his government fell short of the majority mark. The Supreme Court had ordered the Congress-led state government to prove its majority. Around 15 months after taking office, Nath’s government plunged into a crisis when 22 state legislators rebelled against him. The immediate trigger of the rebellion followed former union minister and senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya M. Scindia’s decision to quit Congress and join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Congress government was in minority after Speaker N.P. Prajapati accepted the resignation of rebel MLAs. Nath met governor Lalji Tandon and submitted his resignation.
31. Govt has fixed prices for face masks & sanitizers in light of COVID - 19 outbreak: Ram Vilas Paswan
Government is keeping a close watch on the prices of every essential commodity. Union Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan tweeted that government has fixed the prices for face masks and sanitizers in light of the COVID - 19 outbreak. Mr. Paswan said that under the essential commodities act no extra charges can be levied on the fabric used for manufacturing of face masks. He informed that the two and three layered mask would cost 8 and 10 rupees respectively while a two hundred milli-litre bottle of hand sanitiser is priced at 100 rupees. Mr. Paswan asserted that the prices would remain same till 30th June this year.
32. PM Modi calls for ‘Janata curfew’ on March 22 from 7 AM-9 PM
In what is seen as sensitising the citizens with a word of caution on Covid-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for ‘Janata Curfew’from 7 am to 9 pm on 22 March. Prime Minister also announced the creation of ‘Covid-19 Economic Response Task Force’ under the Union Finance Minister. ‘Covid-19 Economic Response Task Force’ will consult stakeholders, take feedback, on the basis of which decisions will be taken to meet the challenges, he said, adding that it will also ensure implementation of the decisions taken to meet these challenges.
In order to resolve and observe restraint, he asked the citizens to follow ‘Janata Curfew’ Prime Minister said that there are many brave people who are in the forefront of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic such as medical staff, police, government servants, airline staff, media persons, bus/train/auto operators and those involved in providing home delivery. To pay respects to their huge service to the nation during such trying times, he suggested that on March 22 at 5 PM, all citizens should acknowledge and salute their efforts by standing in the balconies and at the doors of their houses and clap or ring bells for five minutes as a show of appreciation.
Acknowledging that salaried class and daily wage earner suffering, Modi urged the business community and higher income groups to look after the economic needs of those from lower income groups, from whom they take various services, urging them not to cut their salary on the days they are unable to render the services due to inability to come to the workplace. He stressed on the importance of humanity during such times.
33. UP govt announces one month free food grains to poor
Uttar Pradesh govt announced several actions and measures in its fight against coronavirus. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced to provide one-month free food grains to poor people along with Rs 1,000 as compensation to daily wage workers who have been affected due to the outbreak of the deadly virus.Around 20 lakh 37 thousand labourers registered with the labor department will be given rupees 1000 each in their accounts through the DBT scheme. One crore 65 lakh needy poor people will be provided a one-month foodstuff, including 20 kilograms flour free of cost. People under old-age pension, Divyang pension and widows and poor people allowance will be given two months advance. Owners of schools, Malls, restaurants, and hotels, and other institutions asked to provide appropriate payments to the effected laborers. The government decided that the rest of the poor people and daily wagers will be given help on the recommendation of concerned area officials.
34. GoI allocates Rs 1,480 crores to National Technical Textiles Mission
On March 19, 2020, the Minister of Textiles Smt Smriti Irani presented the details of National Technical Textiles Mission at Rajya Sabha. The GoI hasallocated Rs 1,480 crores for the mission. National Technical Textiles Mission aims to improve technical textiles in India. The mission is to be implemented for a period of 4 years between 2020-21 and 2023-24. It is to be implemented by the Ministry of Textiles.
35. Govt will make efforts to take kabaddi to Olympics
The government will make efforts to take indigenous sport kabaddi to the Olympics, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said. A total of 2,880 athletes have been selected under Khelo India scheme for further training to excel in various national/international competitions.
The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports said kabaddi is an indigenous sport and that the government would make efforts to take it to the Olympics.
Under the schemes, promising sports persons and teams identified are provided support of modern sports science and exposure abroad under experts of respective disciplines, among others. A total of 2,880 athletes have been selected under Khelo India scheme for further training to excel in various national/international competitions.
36. In rare move, SC removes Manipur minister from state Cabinet
In a rare move, the Supreme Court invoked its plenary powers and ordered forthwith removal of BJP lawmaker and Manipur Forest Cabinet Minister TH Shyamkumar, restraining him from entering the Assembly till further orders.The top court rarely invokes its plenary power under Article 142 of the Constitution to remove a cabinet minister from any government.
Shyamkumar had won the Assembly polls in 2017 as a Congress candidate but later joined the BJP government. The plea of his disqualification is still pending with the Speaker.
The top court had on January 21 taken note of inordinate delays in deciding 13 pleas for disqualification of lawmakers pending since April 2017 and had asked the Manipur Assembly Speaker to decide within four weeks the plea of a Congress leader seeking disqualification of Shyamkumar.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Hantavirus appears in China amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Hantavirus or Orthohantavirus is an old family of viruses, which mainly spreads through rodents or rats. It can cause various diseases including hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). It can also cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).
Hantaviruses in the America are known as "New World" hantaviruses and may cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). It is transmitted when a person comes in direct contact with the droppings, urine, saliva or nesting of a rodent that has the virus. The virus enters the human body through eyes, nose or mouth.
The first fatal case of Hantavirus was reported in China’s Yunnan Province on March 23, 2020 when a man tested positive for it and passed away shortly afterward.
Hantavirus symptoms are known to be similar to Covid-19 infection.
2. Donald Trump signs $2 trn stimulus bill to cushion coronavirus impact on economy
US President Donald Trump signed into law the historic $2 trillion rescue package to help the Americans and secure the country's economy ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic that has infected nearly 100,000 people across the nation. The Senate and the House of Representatives earlier passed the Bill.The legislation among other things gives $3,400 for most of the American families of four, and billions of dollars' worth of financial assistance to small and medium businesses, and big corporations like Boeing.
$100 billion will go to healthcare providers, including hospitals on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic; and $27 billion will go to bolstering life-saving capabilities, including developing vaccines and the development, purchase, and distribution of critical supplies.
$45 billion will go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund, more than doubling the amount available to support the President's Emergency and Disaster Declarations to empower state, local, and tribal leaders to effectively respond.The $2.2 trillion measure includes $500 billion to help hard-hit industries and $290 billion for payments of up to $3,000 to millions of families.
It will also provide $350 billion for small-business loans, $250 billion for expanded unemployment aid and at least $100 billion for hospitals and related health systems.
3. Trump invokes Defense Production Act to require GM to make ventilators
President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to require General Motors to produce more ventilators to deal with increased hospitalizations due to the spread of the novel coronavirus in the United States.
The Defense Production Act gives the president several powers to ensure that supplies for national defense are produced by U.S. industries and distributed to places that need them. The act has been reauthorized by Congress more than 50 times since it passed in 1950, most recently in 2018.
Although the law was geared initially toward U.S. military capabilities, its provisions in more recent decades also have been used for natural hazards or terrorist attacks, among other emergency scenarios.
In response to the pandemic, Trump has signed two executive orders citing provisions of the Defense Production Act. The first delegates the president’s powers to prioritize contracts and allocate resources to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. The second includes measures to prevent people from hoarding health and medical resources.
4. Olympic flame arrives in Japan ahead of Tokyo 2020
The Olympic flame arrived in Japan to a muted reception, with what should have been a joyous celebration dramatically downscaled due to the coronaviruspandemic that has cast doubt over whether the Tokyo Games can even go ahead.The flame landed on a special charter flight into Matsushima Air Base in the Japanese province of Miyagi, chosen as part of the "Recovery Olympics to showcase the region's revival after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown.
Former Japanese Olympians Saori Yoshida and Former Japanese Olympians Saori Yoshida and Tadahiro Nomuratarget collected the flame from the aircraft and took it through a guard of honour to a cauldron in the shape of a cherry blossom on a stage in front of selected guests.
5. Tokyo Olympics postponed to 2021
The Tokyo Olympics are to be postponed until 2021 after talks between Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, and the International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach, led to confirmation of a decision made inevitable by the coronavirus pandemic.
Abe said they had established that cancelling the Games was out of the question, and that Bach had agreed “100%” that a postponement was the most appropriate response to the global disruption.
6. Sri Lanka: postpone parliamentary elections in wake of COVID-19
Sri Lanka’s general elections, which was scheduled to be held on April 25, have been postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.It was not possible to hold polls amid the coronavirus crisis when the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the island rose to 59.
7. G7 Pledge to 'Do Whatever it Takes' to Safeguard Economy Affected by Coronavirus
Leaders of the G7 advanced economies pledged to use all their tools to safeguard the economy and help workers hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.As the outbreak caused more countries to shut down and brought the global economy to a screeching halt, the leaders stressed the need to join forces and move quickly to address the damage. The measures are aimed to "support immediately and as much as necessary the workers, companies, and sectors most affected" .In addition, the leaders instructed their finance ministers to consult weekly to implement policy measures and "develop further timely and effective actions." They noted the disruption to supply chains due to transportation shutdowns, as well as the harm to families.The leaders called on global institutions like the International Monetary Fund to "swiftly" deploy financial assistance to countries that need it.
8. WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub: All you need to know
As the name suggests, WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Hub is an information hub designed to help users stay connected with friends and family during the pandemic while also providing them with a reliable source of information.
The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) partnered with WhatsApp and launched two initiatives.
The first initiative is the global launch of the Whatsapp Coronavirus Information Hub, while the second initiative is the enhancement of fact-checking network to counter fake news and rumours about coronavirus.
WhatsApp also donated $1 million to the Poynter Institute's International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), which will be used to fund the #CoronaVirusFacts Alliance, a group which includes 100 local organizations in over 45 countries.
9. Russia starts testing coronavirus vaccines
Russian scientists have begun testing prototypes of potential vaccines against the new coronavirus on animals in a laboratory in Siberia.
Scientists in the Vektor State Virology and Biotechnology Centre in the city of Novosibirsk have developed vaccine prototypes based on six different technological platforms and began tests to try to work out how effective they are and in what doses they could be administered. Scientists around the world have warned that the development of a vaccine is a lengthy and complex process that might only yield something for broader use in the next 12-18 months.
Scientists expect it will be possible to start rolling out a vaccine in the last three months of 2020.
10. Maldives pledges to COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund
Maldives pledged USD 200,000 contribution to the SAARC Corona Emergency Fund proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an initial offer of USD 10 million from India to help combat the fast-spreading COVID-19 pandemic in the region.
Welcoming Prime Minister Modi for creating the emergency and relief fund, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said the country will join the initiative to tackle the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Nepal and Bhutan pledged nearly USD one million and USD 100,000 respectively to the SAARC Corona Emergency Fund.
Founded in 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Apart from Modi, Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza, participated in the conference.
11. Canada becomes first country to withdraw from 2020 Tokyo Olympic
The 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo have been thrown into further doubt after Canada became the first major country to withdraw. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has admitted for the first time that the games could be postponed. Australia has said, it is clear the games cannot go ahead and told its athletes to prepare for 2021 games. The International Olympic Committee is expected to decide the fate of the games in four weeks' time.
12. Bangabandhu’s birth centenary celebration begins in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is celebrating the birth centenary of its founder President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina marked the day by paying floral tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at his residence in Dhanmondi area of Dhaka.
The day marks the beginning of the year long celebration of the birth centenary named ‘Mujib Barsho’ in Bangladesh and across the world.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born on 17th March 1920 in the town of Tungipara in Gopalganj district of the then undivided India. He led the movement against the oppressive Pakistani rulers in the then East Pakistan leading to its liberation in 1971. Known as Bangabandhu, he became the first President of the independent nation of Bangladesh.
13. Coronavirus: First human trial of vaccine begins in US
Supported by a global coalition founded by India and Norway, the US has begun the phase one clinical trial of an investigational vaccine designed to protect against the coronavirus disease which has claimed the lives of over 7,000 people globally.The trial began at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) in Seattle as the first participant received the investigational vaccine.This is one of the fastest vaccine development launches in history. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is funding the trial. The open-label trial will enrol 45 healthy adult volunteers aged 18 to 55 years over approximately six weeks.
According to the NIH, the study is evaluating different doses of the experimental vaccine for safety and its ability to induce an immune response in participants. This is the first of multiple steps in the clinical trial process for evaluating the potential benefit of the vaccine. The vaccine is called mRNA-1273 and was developed by the NIAID scientists and their collaborators at the biotechnology company Moderna, Inc., based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) supported the manufacturing of the vaccine candidate for the Phase 1 clinical trial.Conceived in 2015, CEPI was founded in Davos in 2017 by the governments of Norway and India, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, and the World Economic Forum.CEPI so far has secured USD 760 million toward its USD 1 billion funding target, with multi-year funding from Norway, the UK, Germany, Japan, Canada, Ethiopia, Australia, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Wellcome.
Infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, can cause a mild to severe respiratory illness and include symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
14. World Bank adds $2 billion to funds available for coronavirus response
The World Bank increased to $14 billion the amount of fast-track financing available to members to respond to the global coronavirus pandemic, adding $2 billion to an initial package announced on March 3.The change will give the World Bank’s International Financing Corp a total of $8 billion to support private companies and their employees hurt by economic impacts of the virus. The bulk of the funding would be used by client financial institutions so they can continue to offer trade financing, working capital and medium-term financing to private firms struggling with disruptions in supply chains.
IFC said the funding would also help existing clients in tourism, manufacturing and other heavily affected sectors keep paying their bills, while aiding the healthcare industry as it races to meet surging demand for services, equipment and drugs.IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and works with 2,000 business worldwide. In fiscal 2019, it delivered more than $19 billion in long-term financing for developing countries.
15. Trump becomes Republican Party's presumptive presidential nominee
US President Donald Trump has become the Republican Party's presumptive presidential nominee after his home state of Florida awarded him with enough numbers to cross the pledged delegate threshold.As per the national delegate count, Trump had 1,330 pledged delegates in his kitty.A Republican presidential aspirant needs 1,276 of the total 2,550 pledged delegates. A formal nomination would be announced at the Republican National Convention in August.
The primary in his home state of Florida put him above the delegate threshold to become the presumed 2020 Republican nominee for president. The primary season saw him shatter records for vote totals and vote percentages.With Florida's 122 delegates awarded to the President, he has 1,330 delegates, above the 1,276 needed to win the nomination.
16. Saudi Arabia to convene virtual G20 summit on coronavirus
Saudi Arabia would convene a virtual summit bringing together the leaders from the Group of 20 major economies (G20) to address the coronavirus pandemic.The G20 leaders will put forward a coordinated set of policies to protect people and safeguard the global economy.The summit will build on efforts by finance ministers and bank governors from the G20, as well as senior health, trade and foreign ministries to determine the much needed steps in fighting the pandemic.
17. North Korea Fires Short-Range Ballistic Missiles, South Says
North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast in the country’s third weapons test this month. The missiles were fired from the county of Sonchon in North Pyongan Province in the northwest, flying 255 miles to the northeast before landing in waters between North Korea and Japan.The North’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has stepped up military activities this month as the pandemic has surged. Officially, the North has reported no coronavirus cases, but health experts fear that the isolated country might be hiding an outbreak. Initial international shipments of medical aid are expected to arrive there in the coming days.In its last weapons test, on March 9, North Korea fired various types of multiple-rocket launchers as part of a live-fire winter military drill overseen by Mr. Kim. The country conducted a similar drill on March 2.
The tests have signalled a return to provocative actions by North Korea a year after a failed summit meeting between Mr. Kim and President Trump.
18. African Lion: US-Africa Command canceled annual military exercise
African Lion Military Exercise has become the latest victim of Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) as it has been cancelled for this year. As per the directives of US-Africa Command (AFRICOM), the international body has decided to cancel the exercise because of international travel restrictions related to the Coronavirus.This decision will also minimize the risk of exposure to deadly COVID-19. Earlier, African Lion was scheduled to take place from March 23 to April 04 in Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia.
African Lion is the largest annual military exercise done by US Army Africa.It is a multinational exercise that helps all the partner countries to learn from each other.
19. UK confirmed as first co-chair to India led Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
The United Kingdom will be co-chairing the India led CDRI (Global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure). CDRI was launched by India at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York,US in 2019.It is an international knowledge and capacity development platform where countries can collaborate to make their existing and new infrastructure strong enough to withstand natural disasters.
This was built to rapidly expand the development of resilient infrastructure and retrofit existing infrastructure for resilience, and to enable a measurable reduction in infrastructure losses.
The Governing Council is the highest policy-making body of the CDRI.It is co-chaired by India and a representative of another national government nominated by rotation every two years.
As of March 2020, the CDRI comprises 15 member countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Bhutan, Fiji, Germany, Italy, India, Japan, Mauritius, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom and United States. The secretariatis based in New Delhi,India.
20. U.S. TESTS FIRST HYPERSONIC GLIDE BODY, CHALLENGING RUSSIA'S ADVANCED NUCLEAR WEAPONS LEAD
The United States has tested its first hypersonic glide vehicle, challenging Russia's lead in advanced weapons it, too, has been developing for years.The U.S. Navy and Army, monitored by the Missile Defense Agency, announced that they jointly conducted the launch of "a common hypersonic glide body (C-HGB), which flew at hypersonic speed to a designated impact point." The flight experiment took place at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, and it "will inform its ongoing development of systems designed to defend against adversary hypersonic weapons."
The U.S. military said it has a "goal of fielding hypersonic warfighting capabilities in the early- to mid-2020s.” The test was built upon a previous flight experiment in October 2017.
Earlier that year, Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled an arsenal of nuclear-capable, hypersonic and state-of-the-art weapons that included a boost-glide vehicle called Avangard. Moscow has claimed it could travel up to 27 times the speed of sound, though some in Washington and the Pentagon have shed doubts about this.
21. Philippines first country to suspend all markets as coronavirus spreads
The Philippine Stock Exchange closed indefinitely while currency and bond trading were suspended, the first shutdown of markets worldwide in response to the coronavirus, with authorities citing risks to the safety of traders.The move comes after some bourses around the world closed trading floors or paused trade after big falls in market value.
ECONOMY, BUSINESS AND DEFENCE NEWS
1. RBI cuts rates, allows moratorium on auto, home loan EMIs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opened up the liquidity floodgates for banks even as it reduced the key interest rate sharply by 75 bps and allowed equated monthly instalments (EMIs) to be deferred by three months in a move to fight the economic impact of the countrywide lockdown to check the spread of novel coronavirus.
The repo rate was reduced to by 75 bps 4.4% while the reverse repo rate was cut by 90 bps point to 4%. The higher reduction in the reverse repo rate was aimed at prompting banks to lend more rather than keeping their excess liquidity with the RBI.
Apart from cutting the repo rate, RBI has also reduced the cash reserve ratio of banks which released ₹1.37 lakh crore liquidity. This, along with other measures, will see an infusion of ₹3.74 lakh crore into the banking system.
RBI has also allowed banks to defer payment of EMIs on home, car, personal loans as well as credit card dues for three months till May 31. Since non-payment will not lead to non-performing asset classification by banks, there will be no impact on credit score of the borrowers.
2. Moody's slashes India's GDP growth rate to three-decade low of 2.5%
Moody’s Investors Service slashed its estimate of India's GDP growth rate to almost three-decade low of 2.5 per cent during 2020 calendar year from an earlier estimate of 5.3 per cent on account of the rising economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic.If Moody's projections come out to be correct, China, from where coronavirus spread, will overtake India in 2020, as it is projected to grow at 3.3 per cent in the current calendar year. Also, China's growth rate will be higher than that of India in 2021.China's is projected to grow 6 per cent next year, while India at 5.8 per cent.
Before this, India clocked lower growth rate at 1.1 per cent in 1991-92.
3. G20 pledges $5 trillion to defend global economy against COVID-19
Leaders of the Group of 20 major economies pledged to inject $5 trillion in fiscal spending into the global economy to blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus and "do whatever it takes to overcome the pandemic".
Showing more unity than at any time since the 2008-2009 financial crisis that led to the G20's creation, the leaders said they committed during a video conference summit to implement and fund all necessary health measures needed to stop the virus's spread.
Saudi Arabia, the current G20 chair, called the video summit amid earlier criticism of the group's slow response to the disease. It has infected more than 500,000 people worldwide and killed more than 23,000 - and is expected to trigger a global recession.
4. Centre approves ₹5,751 crore additional assistance to eight states
A high-level committee under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved ₹5,751.27 crore as additional central assistance to the eight states for floods, landslides, cyclone 'Bulbul', drought during 2019; and Karnataka for drought (rabi) of 2018-19. The eight states which will get the financial assistance are: Kerala, Maharashtra, Bihar, Nagaland, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Karnataka.
The additional central assistance was approved under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
5. Nirmala Sitharaman announces ₹1.7 trillion package for the poor hit by the lockdown
India rolled out a ₹1.7 trillion relief package, amounting to about 1% of its gross domestic product, marking an aggressive attempt to limit the economic damage caused by the coronavirus outbreak and tackle the loss of livelihood of millions of poor hit by an unprecedented 21-day nationwide lockdown.
The relief package, under a newly framed Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Yojana, aims to alleviate the financial pain faced by migrant workers, farmers, urban and rural poor and women.
As part of the lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly virus, the government has stopped public transport, airlines and construction work, bringing to a halt most economic activities and leaving millions of workers in the informal economy without a livelihood.
About 2.2 million health professionals at the frontlines of fighting the Covid-19 outbreak, including doctors, nurses, ASHA workers, paramedics, sanitation workers will be provided medical insurance cover of ₹50 lakh per person. About 800 million people will get 5 kg of wheat or rice each month for the next three months for free over and above the 5kg they already get. Besides, 1kg of pulses for each household will also be given for three months.
Making a series of announcements on cash transfers for various sections of the society, Sitharaman said under the PM Kisan scheme, the first instalment of ₹2,000 will be transferred to the accounts of 86.9 million farmers in April. The scheme provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmers. Under MGNREGA, regular wages will be hiked from ₹182 per day to ₹202 per day, benefitting 50 million families. The hike in wage is expected to give additional income of ₹2,000 per worker. To the eligible senior citizens, widows and handicapped, a one-time amount ₹1,000 will be transferred in two instalments over the next three months, benefitting 30 million people.
Women who often have fewer economic choices to make are a major beneficiary from the announcements. A one-time transfer of ₹500 per month for next three months to the Jan Dhan accounts of 200 million women will be made. Women of 83 million BPL families will be provided free cooking gas cylinders for three months under the Ujjwala scheme. Collateral-free loans provided to women self-help groups have also been doubled to ₹20 lakh for 6.3 million such groups, which will benefit 70 million households.
The government will bear the cost of the provident fund contributions, both of the employer and employees—12% each—for the next three months for those establishments which have up to 100 employees and 90% of whom are earning less than ₹15,000 per month as salary. Provident fund scheme regulation will be amended to allow non-refundable advance of 75% from the provident fund for contingency expenditure or three months of wages whichever is lower, benefitting 48 million workers.
6. Finance Minister announces slew of relaxations in view of lockdown due to coronavirus
Deadlines for filing income tax and GST returns have been extended to June 30, as part of a slew of relaxations of financial year-end compliance announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Income tax returns for the financial year 2018-19 can now be filed until June 30, with the interest rate on delayed payments reduced to 9% from 12%. The last date for linking Aadhaar with PAN has also been extended from March 31 to June 30. Other taxpayer compliance deadlines, including for investment in savings instruments or for roll-over benefit of capital gains, under the Income Tax Act and other laws have also been extended.
The deadline for filing GST returns for March, April and May, as well as for opting for the composition scheme, has been extended to June 30 for smaller companies — with less than ₹5 crore aggregate annual turnover — without any interest, late fee or penalty being charged. For bigger companies, only interest would be charged at the reduced rate of 9%. The date for filing annual GST returns for 2018-19 has also been extended to the last week of June.
The changes had been prompted by the shutdown of large parts of the country in a bid to control the spread of the COVID-19 viral infection, so that taxpayers were not forced to endanger their health in a bid to meet compliance requirements.
Bank account holders would not be charged extra for using a debit card to withdraw money from the ATMs of other banks for the next three months, and charges for not meeting minimum balance requirements would also be waived. Bank charges for digital transactions were also being reduced.
The Centre has also decided to raise the threshold of default under Section 4 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, from ₹1 lakh to ₹1 crore in order to prevent triggering of insolvency proceedings against MSMEs. Statutory corporate requirements are also being relaxed at this time, including filings in the MCA-21 registry, mandatory board meetings, residency requirements for independent directors and deposit reserve requirements.
The Finance Minister added that customs clearance operations would run around the clock, all seven days of the week, till the end of June. For fisheries imports, the validity of sanitary permits were being extended, while other requirements were being relaxed. Defence Ministry signs contract with Israeli firm IWI
7. Railways exploring manufacture of medical items
Taking note of the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak in India, the Indian Railways has started exploring ways to use its manufacturing facilities to develop essential medical items that would help in the treatment of Covid-19 patients.
The Ministry of Railways, in consultation with the production units and zonal workshops, has decided to use the Railways' manufacturing facilities for this purpose. The ministry has identified facilities like Chittaranjan Loco Works, Chittaranjan, Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, Rail Coach Factory, Kaapurthala, Diesel Loco Works, Varanasi, and Rail Wheel Factory, Yelehanka to manufacture these essential medical items.
The Railway Board has issued instructions to general managers of these production units to explore feasibility of manufacture items like simple hospital beds (without mattress), medical trolleys for hospitals and quarantine facilities, IV stands, stretchers, hospital footsteps, hospital bedside lockers, washbasins with stands, ventilators, PPEs like masks, sanitisers, water tanks etc.The Railway Board has entrusted the tasks to these general managers to consult Chief Medical Officers of their respective zones and manufacture these essential items in large quantities.
8. Govt bans export of all ventilators, sanitizers
The Union government banned the export of ventilators, other ICU equipment and sanitizers with immediate effect in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Ministry of Commerce issued an order prohibiting the export of ventilators and sanitizers.Previously on March 19, the government had banned the export of all surgical/disposable masks and textile raw material used for making masks.
9. Cabinet approves recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks to improve their Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairshas given its approval for continuation of the process of recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) by providing minimum regulatory capital to RRBs for another year beyond 2019-20, that is, up to 2020-21 for those RRBs which are unable to maintain minimum Capital to Risk weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 9%, as per the regulatory norms prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India.The CCEA also approved utilization of Rs.670 crore as central government share for the scheme of Recapitalization of RRBs (i.e. 50% of the total recapitalization support of Rs.1340 crore), subject to the condition that the release of Central Government’s share will be contingent upon the release of the proportionate share by the sponsor banks.A financially stronger and robust Regional Rural Banks with improved CRAR will enable them to meet the credit requirement in the rural areas.
As per RBI guidelines, the RRBs have to provide 75% of their total credit under PSL (Priority Sector Lending). RRBs are primarily catering to the credit and banking requirements of agriculture sector and rural areas with focus on small and marginal farmers, micro & small enterprises, rural artisans and weaker sections of the society. In addition, RRBs also provide lending to micro/small enterprises and small entrepreneurs in rural areas. With the recapitalization support to augment CRAR, RRBs would be able to continue their lending to these categories of borrowers under their PSL target, and thus, continue to support rural livelihoods.
Consequent upon RBI’s decision to introduce disclosure norms for Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of RRBs with effect from March 2008, a committee was set up under the Chairmanship of Dr. K.C. Chakrabarty.
Based on the Committee’s recommendations, a Scheme for Recapitalization of RRBs was approved by the Cabinet in its meeting held on 10th February, 2011 to provide recapitalization support of Rs. 2,200 crore to 40 RRBs with an additional amount of Rs. 700 crore as contingency fund to meet the requirement of the weak RRBs, particularly in the North Eastern and Eastern Region. Therefore, based on the CRAR position of RRBs, as on 31st March of every year, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) identifies those RRBs, which require recapitalisation assistance to maintain the mandatory CRAR of 9%.
Post 2011, the scheme for recapitalization of RRBs was extended upto 2019-20 in a phased manner with a financial support of Rs. 2,900 crore with 50% Government of India’s share of Rs. 1,450 crore.
10. Govt asks states to use cess fund to support construction workers
The Centre has advised state authorities to transfer funds directly to the bank accounts of construction workersto help them amid the to help them amid the lockdown.Under the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996, the Central government can advise the states and Union Territories to frame a scheme for transfer of adequate funds in the bank accounts of construction workers through the direct benefit transfer mode. An amount of about Rs 52,000 crore is available as cess fund, while about 35 million workers are registered with construction welfare boards. The amount to be granted to the workers will be decided by the respective state and Union Territory governments.
An amount of about Rs 52,000 crore is available as cess fund, while about 35 million workers are registered with construction welfare boards. The amount to be granted to the workers will be decided by the respective state and Union Territory governments.
Financial assistance at this point of time would help to mitigate the financial crisis of our construction workers to some extent and boost their morale to deal with this epidemic.
11. YES Bank plans to raise Rs 20,000 crore
Ailing private lender YES Bank will hit the market with certificate of deposits (CDs), a money market instrument, to raise up to Rs 20,000 crore from institutional players. This is the first large-scale (short-term) fundraising effort by the bank after being bailed out under a reconstruction scheme.Rating agency CRISIL has assigned‘A2’ rating to the Rs 20,000 -crore CDs programme of YES Bank.The instruments carrying this rating are considered to have strong degree of safety regarding timely payment of financial obligations. Such instruments carry low credit risk. Such instruments carry low credit risk, CRISIL.
The rating factors in the expectation of continued extraordinary systemic support from key stakeholders, along with sizeable ownership of State Bank of India (SBI).
YES Bank witnessed a steady outflow of deposits in the past few quarters given the challenges faced by it and the adverse news reports with respect to the bank.
12. Coronavirus impact may render 38 mn jobless in Indian tourism
With stringent travel restrictions in place and widespread fears keeping people indoors, India’s travel and tourism industry is staring at large-scale job losses. Highlighting the impact of the unfolding crisis, industry body Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) has approached Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.In a letter to the PM, the industry body has urged the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to intervene to minimise the damage. Apart from business loss for the Rs 5-trillion industry, FAITH said the crisis may leave 38 million people (or 70 per cent of all employed directly and indirectly) jobless.A large percentage of total tourism business activity of India, which is estimated at USD 28 billion+ in forex and upwards of Rs 2 lakh crore in domestic tourism activity will be at economic risk through the year. Thus, in excess of Rs 5 lakh crore of direct tourism industry and almost double that of total economic activity is at risk.
13. Star Health, ICICI Lombard launch policies to cover Covid-19 patients
Star Health and Allied Insurance launched a benefit policy to cover all those who test positive for novel coronavirus (Covid-19) and require hospitalisation.
The 'Star Novel Coronavirus' policy will provide a lump sum payment to any insured between age 18 to 65 years, who is declared positive by a government accredited test and is hospitalised for the same.Importantly, the policy does not have any international travel history related exclusions.The policy is available under two sum insured options of Rs 21,000 and Rs 42,000 at premiums of Rs 459 plus GST and Rs 918 plus GST, respectively.Anyone up to the age of 65 years can purchase the policy online or through the company's network of agents without having to undergo any pre-medical screening.
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company have rolled out a focused COVID-19 Protection Cover. On diagnosis of COVID-19 (+ve) will pay 100% of the sum insured irrespective of hospitalization expenses. The launched insurance policy is in group insurance mode.
14. Reliance sets up India's 1st dedicated Covid-19 hospital
Reliance Industries Limitedsaid a hospital run by its CSR arm has readied India's first 100-bedded facility at one of its hospitals in Mumbai for patients who test positive for COVID-19. It has set up the dedicated hospital in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at Seven Hills Hospital. It includes a negative pressure room that helps to prevent cross-contamination and helps control infection.All beds are equipped with the required infrastructure, bio medical equipment such as ventilators, pacemakers, dialysis machine and patient monitoring devices.
15. SBI became the first bank to open an emergency credit facility for borrowers affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
SBI became the first bank to open an emergency credit facility for borrowers affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. A maximum loan amount of upto Rs 200 crores or 10 percent of the existing fund based working capital limits can be availed under this emergency line. The facility will be available till end of June and will be specifically aimed at MSME borrowers. These loans will be given at a flat rate of 7.25%.
16. Govt closes incoming traffic to all 107 immigration check posts
The Central government notified stoppage of all incoming passenger traffic on 107 immigration check posts, including all airports, seaports, land ports, rail ports, and river ports, as part of the measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The move exempts vehicles or trains "carrying goods for trade or essential goods and supplies" along with their crew, driver, helper, cleaner, etc.
17. Finance Ministry says contractual employees to be paid
The Finance Ministry clarified that contractual employees will be paid even if they are unable to report on duty due to lockdown imposed by authorities.According to office memorandum, various states and union territories governments have announced lockdown at different places as part of social distancing and isolation measures to contain the spread of COVID 19 in the country.
To avoid any undue hardships under the prevailing extraordinary circumstances, it has been decided that such employees, if required to stay home in view of lockdown order regarding COVID 19 prevention, will be considered on duty.
18. Yes Bank resumes full banking services
Crisis-hit Yes bank resumed full banking services and the bank's 1132 branches across India are now open for its customers. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had put a moratorium on Yes Bank on March 5, restricting withdrawals to Rs 50,000 per depositor till April 3. It superseded the board of the troubled private sector lender and appointed Prashant Kumar as administrator.
On March 6, RBI came up with a reconstruction plan for Yes Bank. The plan involved SBI investing in Yes Bank and effectively owning a 49 percent stake in the bank. The withdrawal limit was lifted shortly afterward.
19. Battle-grade LCA makes first flight
The first Light Combat Aircraft in the “FOC” or a level fit for battle flew for the first time on 18 March. The 40-minute sortie took off at the HAL airport and was flown by Chief Test Pilot (fixed wing) Air Cmde K. A. Muthanna (retd). State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which manufactures the indigenous fighters for the Indian Air Force said This would pave the way for the production of the remaining 15 fighters from the FOC block.
The fighter received the FOC or the final operational clearance in February 2019, signifying that the Indian designer — the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) — has developed it to the level where the plane is good to be used in a combat.
FOC-standard LCAs have advanced capabilities such as air-to-air refuelling and a missile system that is beyond visual range (BVR), among others.HAL said it achieved the feat in a record 12 months at its two LCA assembly lines in Bengaluru after receiving the drawings and protocols from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification under the DRDO.
ADA is the DRDO’s special purpose arm, which has designed and developed the LCA as a modern generation-4 fighter for the IAF.
HAL is making the planes in two batches of 16 each — FOC standard and the previous version called the IOC (initial operational clearance). It is also due to produce eight more of the LCAs — four two-seater trainers in each version.
20. Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 passed by Lok Sabha
The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was passed by the Lok Sabha through a voice vote. The bill seeks to covert three regulatory bodies under the Civil Aviation Ministry including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) into statutory bodies.
The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was tabled in the lower house of the Parliament by Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The amendments would fulfill the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The bill proposes to amend the Aircraft Act, 1934, which regulates the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of civil aircraft and licensing of aerodromes.
The three regulatory bodies include:
1. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): It will carry out regulatory and safety oversight functions concerning matters under the Bill.
2. Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS): The authority will discharge regulatory oversight functions related to civil aviation security.
3. Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB): The body will carry out investigations related to aircraft accidents and incidents.
The three authorities will then be headed by a Director-General, who will be appointed by the central government. The central government will also be empowered to issue directions to these authorities on concerned matters.
Under the Act, the central government may make rules on several matters including registration of aircraft, regulating air transport services, the prohibition of flight over any specified area. The amendment bill adds the regulation of air navigation services to this list.
The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 also proposes to allow the centre to empower the Director General or any other authorised officer to issue directions and make rules on certain matters including inspection of aircraft, conditions under which an aircraft may be flown and measures to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. The bill also proposes the appointment of designated officers, not below the rank of Deputy Secretary to adjudicate penalties under the Bill. Those concerned have the option of appealing against the designated officer’s order to an appellate officer. The appeals, however, must be filed within 30 days of receiving the order.
The Aircraft Act, 1934 proposes penalty including imprisonment up to two years or fine up to Rs 10 lakh or both for the above-listed offences. The amendment bill proposes to raise the maximum limit of the fine for the offences from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
Further, the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 allows the central government to cancel licences, certificates or approvals granted to an individual under the Act if the person contravenes any of the act’s provisions. The licences include those issued for the operation, repair and maintenance of aircraft, the establishment of an air transport service and the establishment of aerodromes.
The bill also proposes the compounding of certain offences under the Act including flying to cause danger to any person or property, contravention to any directions issued by the Director General of the regulatory bodies. The offences may be compounded by the Director General as prescribed by the centre. However, compounding of offences will not be allowed in case of repeat offences.
Further, the bill proposes that only courts equivalent or superior to a magistrate of the first class or metropolitan magistrate may hear the offences under the Act.The International Civil Aviation Organisation had conducted an audit in 2012 and 2015, which highlighted the need to amend the Act to give due recognition to the regulatory bodies and enhance the maximum limit of the penalties and empower the department officers to impose financial penalties for violations of the legal provisions.
21. S&P lowers India's growth forecast to 5.2% in 2020 amid coronavirus fears
S&P Global Ratings lowered India's economic growth forecast to 5.2% for 2020, saying the global economy is entering a recession amid the coronavirus pandemic.The agency had earlier projected a growth rate of 5.7 per cent during the 2020 calendar.
Asia-Pacific economic growth in 2020 will more than halve to less than 3 per cent as the "global economy enters a recession. Moody's Investors Service had lowered India's economic growth forecast for 2020 to 5.3 per cent (from 5.4 per cent), on coronavirus impact on the economy.
22. Oil India and NRL sign crude oil sales agreement
Oil India Limited (OIL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have signed a crude oil sales agreement (COSA) for sale and purchase of crude oil. The agreement has been signed by OIL’s Director (Finance) Harish Madhav and NRL’s Director (Finance) Indranil Mittra on behalf of OIL and NRL respectively at OIL’s Pipeline Headquarters in Narengi, Guwahati.
This COSA will come in effect from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2025, that is for a term of 5 years. It will streamline sale and purchase transactions of crude oil produced from fields in northeast India.
Oil India Limited (OIL) is the second-largest hydrocarbon exploration and production public sector company with its operational headquarters in Duliajan (Assam) and corporate office in Noida. OIL is engaged in the business of exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, transportation of crude oil and production of liquid petroleum gas. The company’s history spans the discovery of crude oil in the far east of India at Digboi, Assam in 1889 to its present status as a fully integrated upstream petroleum company.
The Numaligarh Refinery is located at Morangi, Golaghat district, Assam, is a refinery owned by Numaligarh Refinery Limited, a joint venture between Bharat Petroleum, Oil India and Govt of Assam. As of 2014, it had a capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per year.[2] In January 2019, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved plans to increase the refinery’s capacity to 9 million metric tonnes per year.
23. Defence Acquisition Council clears acquisition of 83 Tejas aircraft for IAF
The Defence Ministry's Defence Acquisition Council gave its green signal for the procurement of 83 indigenous Tejas fighter jets for Indian Air Force with more advanced configuration than the 40 currently on order.
The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas indigenously-designed by Aircraft Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is going to be the backbone of Indian Air Force in future.The proposal will now be placed for consideration of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). This procurement will be a major boost to 'Make in India' as the aircraft is indigenously designed, developed and manufactured with participation of several local vendors apart from HAL.
Though the defence ministry statement made no mention of the price, the order for 83 Tejas aircraft is expected to cost ₹39,000 crores. The Tejas is expected to form the back bone of the IAF's fleet in the coming years.This procurement will be a major boost to the Narendra Modi government’s flagship “Make in India" as the LCA is indigenously designed, developed and manufactured with participation of several local vendors apart from HAL.
24. Paytm Payments Bank to now issue Visa debit cards
Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL) will now start issuing Visa debit cards to its customers. With this partnership, Paytm is targeting to issue over 10 million new digital debit cards in FY 20-21. The bank, known for introducing neo-banking in the country, is already the largest issuer of RuPay Debit Cards and has the fastest growing bank account base.
Paytm Payments Bank will issue Visa virtual debit cards to its customers, which will enable them to transact at all merchants accepting payments through cards. For the first time, the bank’s customers will also be able to make international transactions using their Visa debit cards. Soon, the customers will also have an option to request for a physical card. This will enable customers to make contactless payment through their chip-inserted cards.
With over 57 million digital debit cards, the payments bank now has a debit card in every district of India.
25. World’s First Flying Car Will Be Manufactured In Gujarat, India
Flying car-maker PAL-V of The Netherlands will set up a manufacturing plant in Gujarat and has set a target of commencing production by 2021. PAL-V stands for Personal Air Land Vehicle.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani between state Industries Principal Secretary MK Das and Carlo Maasbommel, vice president of PAL-V's international business development. The state government would help the Dutch car-maker in getting all necessary approvals from the Centre for the plant in Gujarat, the first to be set up by the firm in India.
The PAL-V flying car, having two engines, can run at a speed of 160 kilometres on road and can fly at a speed of 180 kms. The car can turn into a flying vehicle in just three minutes and cover a distance of 500 km on a full tank.
26. YES Bank plans to raise Rs 20,000 crore through certificate of deposits
Ailing private lender YES Bank will hit the market with certificate of deposits (CDs), a money market instrument, to raise up to Rs 20,000 crore from institutional players, mostly banks.
This is the first large-scale (short-term) fundraising effort by the bank after being bailed out under a reconstruction scheme.
Rating agency CRISIL has assigned ‘A2’ rating to the Rs 20,000 -crore CDs programme of YES Bank. The instruments carrying this rating are considered to have strong degree of safety regarding timely payment of financial obligations. Such instruments carry low credit risk.The rating factors in the expectation of continued extraordinary systemic support from key stakeholders, along with sizeable ownership of State Bank of India (SBI).
27. Defence Ministry signs contract with Israeli firm IWI to acquire 16,479 light machine guns
The Defence Ministry has signed a capital acquisition contract with Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) for procurement of 16,479 light machine guns (LMGs) at a cost of Rs 880 crore.
The contract was signed with the approval of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.IWI, which is based out of Ramat HaSharon city in Israel, would be providing Negev 7.62*51 mm LMGs to the Indian armed forces under the contract.The contracted Negev 7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat proven weapon and currently used by several countries around the globe. This LMG will greatly enhance the lethality and range of a soldier vis-a-vis the presently used weapon.The provisioning of this "operationally urgent and very critically needed weapon" will boost the confidence of the frontline troops and provide much needed combat power to the armed forces.
28. Home Ministry gives approval for creation of 1,018 posts in CISF
The Union Home Ministry has approved the creation of more than 1,000 posts in the CISF to augment its strength to effectively guard vital installations, including airports, atomic installations, metro networks.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guards about 60 civil airports in the country and has an elite VVIP security wing under its command called the Special Security Group (SSG).
The Home Ministry has given sanction for creation of 899 posts in the CISF and subsequently another 119 posts.With the sanctioned posts, from the constables to the inspector level, the CISF can raise one more battalion (1,000 personnel) within the next two years.
The current strength of the CISF is about 1.8 lakh personnel.
The CISF guards civil airports, nuclear plants, power stations, vital government buildings, the Delhi Metro besides a host of other key installations.
The government has recently handed over the security-related duties of Srinagar and Jammu airports to the CISF. The CISF replaced the Jammu and Kashmir Police in these two airports.
The government has already made it clear its intention of entrusting more and more civil airports to the CISF and increasing its task in the domain of VVIP security.
The augmentation of the CISF strength is part of this exercise.After it was tasked to secure vital infrastructure in the private sectors post the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the force’s role in this domain is also increasing with about a dozen private sector facilities already under its security.
29. RBI announces fresh purchase of Rs 30,000 crore govt securities to boost liquidity
The Reserve Bank of India announced additional purchase of government securities worth Rs 30,000 crore through open market operations (OMO) to boost liquidity and enhance investor confidence in the financial markets that remain under stress over COVID-19 related disruptions.
It will conduct purchase of government securities under OMOs for an aggregate amount of Rs 30,000 crores in two tranches of Rs 15,000 crore each in the month of March 2020.The auctions would be conducted on March 24, 2020 and March 30, 2020.
The first OMO purchase auction will be conducted on March 24, 2020 for purchase of an aggregate amount of Rs 15,000 crore of the government securities through a multi-security auction using the multiple price method
30. India Post to launch free digital locker service
For the first time in India, the Department of Posts is introducing a free digital parcel locker service in Kolkata to enable customers collect their consignment from specified post offices at their convenience. The facility, which is popular in European countries, will be limited to consignments received through registered post or speed post. This is for the first time that the digital parcel locker service will be introduced in India keeping in mind the benefit of the common man. This facility has been chosen for working people who cannot receive parcels because they have no one at home to receive consignments during office hours.A customer will be given a specific locker number as the address where India Post will drop the parcel.Consignments will be dropped into the digital parcel locker and an SMS will be issued along with an OTP number to the customer concerned.The consignment will remain accessible to customers for seven days during which they can collect the parcel any time of the day.
31. Indian Railways passengers will get no more blankets, curtains in AC train coaches
In an attempt to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, Piyush Goyal-chaired Railway Ministry has decided to withdraw the provision of blankets as well as curtains in AC coaches of all train services. As curtains and blankets provided to passengers in air-conditioned coaches are not washed every trip, they are being immediately withdrawn from service till further orders. Indian Railways is considering setting the temperature of the air-conditioned coaches suitably so that those who are travelling in them do not require blankets. However, Indian Railways has made arrangements so that blankets are provided to passengers on demand.
32. India is third-largest producer of Electricity in the World
The World Energy Statistics published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2019 states that India is the 3rd largest producer of electricity in the world. India ranked 106th in terms of per capita consumption in 2017.As per the list, the reforms in the power sector has grown continuously. India has now become a power surplus from a power deficit situation. The power sector reforms focus on the supply of 24×7 quality power to consumers, higher standards of service, promotion of renewable energy sources, development of hydropower, improving efficiency, especially in the distribution sector, etc. Also, the Central government is planning to implement reforms linked distribution schemes and changes in tariff policy, among others.
33. Bridge constructed over Teesta river in north Sikkim opened for traffic
In a major relief to the residents of Lachen in north Sikkim, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) opened a 360-feet long bailey suspension bridge over the Teesta river for traffic in Munshithang near Chungthang town.The Road Construction Company (RCC) of 758 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF), under Project Swastik, commenced the construction of the bridge in October 2019 and completed it by January 2020.
The roads approaching the bridge have also been constructed.The bridge is expected to give impetus to tourism and facilitate the movement of logistics for the armed forces deployed in the forward areas.In June 2019, a steel bridge of 180 feet span at the same location was completely damaged due to a massive cloud burst resulting in severing the lines of communication in north district of Sikkim.
The connectivity was kept open by routing the traffic through restricted Army land.
34. TRIFED Launches transformational “Tech For Tribals” program in partnership with Institutes of National Importance (INIs) to develop Tribal entrepreneurship
A game changing and unique project aimed to transform 5 crore Tribal Entrepreneurs under the name “Tech for Tribal” has been launched by TRIFED. It was launched by TRIFED and IIT-Kanpur along with IIT-Roorkee, IIM Indore, Kalinga Institute of Social Science, Bhubaneshwar and SRIJAN, Jaipurin the first phase of organising tribal entrepreneurship and skill development program.Tech for Tribals, an initiative of TRIFED supported by Ministry of MSME, aims at capacity building and imparting entrepreneurship skills totribal forest produce gatherers enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri VanDhan Yojana(PMVDY). The trainees will undergo a 30 days program over six weeks comprising 120 sessions.
TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs is establishing 1,200 "Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK)”, across 28 States engaging 3.6 Lakhs Tribal Forest Produce gatherers. One typical VDVK comprises of 15 Self Help Groups, each consisting of 20 Tribal gatherers. The program aims at providing skill upgradation and capacity building of VDVK lead members.
Under the Tech for Tribals program, the Partners will develop course contents relevant to Entrepreneurship in Value Addition and Processing of Forest Produces.
35. NK Singh Committee formed for fiscal consolidation road map
The Finance Commission has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of NK Singh in order to create a road map for fiscal consolidation for the Center and the States. The Finance Commission submitted its first report to the Government of India in February 2020.
The Finance Commission will submit its final report by October 30, covering the years 2021-22 to 2025-26. NK Singh Committee will recommend the definition of deficit and debt. This committee will also define contingent liabilities of PSUs.Fiscal consolidation is a policy adopted by the government to reduce losses. Its main objective is to reduce the administrative cost of the government. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 (FRBMA) is the best example for the Government of India's fiscal consolidation.When this law was enacted in the year 2003, the size of the Indian economy was quite small. Our economy was not as favorable for foreign investment as it is today. The per capita income in India was much lower than other developing countries.But today the situation has changed a lot. India has now become a middle income country. Today, the Indian economy has become much larger, open and growing than any other economy. Keeping all these things in mind, a need was felt to change the FRBMA law and to fulfill this objective N. K. Singh Committee was formed. This committee had submitted its recommendations only at the end of last year but recently they have been made public.
Objectives
The Act aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3% of GDP. It aimed to eliminate the deficit of Indian economy. However, this could not be achieved due to international financial crisis. Later, a review committee was formed in 2016 to suggest changes to the Act under the leadership of NK Singh.
36. Swavalamban Express by SIDBI: A train journey to empower small business aspirants
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has announced that it is going to start Swavalamban Express on June 05, 2020, to promote budding business aspirants and entrepreneurs. It has been decided to start a special train based on the opinions and suggestions of various stakeholders.The Swavalamban Express will depart from Lucknow and travel to the 11 entrepreneurial cities. The entrepreneurs will be taken through a meticulously planned route of building business throughout the journey. It will also focus on several government schemes to promote self-employment in the country. The journey would focus on the Prime Minister’s vision of becoming a five trillion-dollar economy by 2024-25.
It will be 15 days of a journey that will cover about 7000 km of track. The train will cover 17 major cities under its mission. It has also planned that more than 150 experts and mentors will travel together to share and meet their expertise and experiences.
37. Microsoft India, NASSCOM Foundation launch initiative to empower people with disabilities
Microsoft India and NASSCOM Foundation launched the Innovate for Accessible India campaign aimed at empowering people with disabilities with the technology and tools required for better integration into society and access to equal opportunities.
The campaign will be an aggregator of workable technology solutions developed using Microsoft cloud, artificial intelligence and other technologies that address gaps faced by people with disabilities, especially in acquiring services and support in education, skill building, employment, mobility, rehabilitation and other government services.The campaign will invite applications from students, citizens and social impact organisations to build customised solutions that address challenges faced by people with disabilities across the 21 officially recognised disabilities.
The10 best solutions that address key challenges faced by people with disabilities will be provided mentoring support by Microsoft and NASSCOM Foundation, along with grants to develop and scale their solution.
The winning innovations stand to win a grant of Rs 10 lakh each in the established projects category (pilot testing with a group of more than 25 beneficiaries) and a grant of Rs 5 lakh each in the early stage category (working prototype tested by less than 25 people).
DAYS AND EVENTS
1. 15 March-World Consumer Rights Day
Every year March 15 is celebrated as World Consumer Rights Day to spread awareness about a consumer's rights and needs. It is an annual occasion, observed on a global level to protect the rights of consumers and to ensure that the consumer' are not subjected to market abuse or social injustice that may undermine their rights.According to the Consumers International organisation "the theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2020, was The Sustainable Consumer’. The campaign will discuss the need for sustainable consumption globally, as well as highlighting the important role that consumer rights and protection can play.” In India, National Consumers Right Day is observed on December 24 annually.On March 15 1962, President John F Kennedy sent a special message to the US Congress formally addressing the issue of consumer rights. He was the first world leader to do so.
On April 9, 1985, the United Nations approved the general guidelines for consumer protection. In the year 1983, the first celebration of World Consumer Rights Day was marked. Since then, this day (World Consumer Rights Day) is celebrated annually on March 15.
2. 16th March-National Vaccination Day
India observes National Vaccination Day every year on 16th March. The day is also known as National Immunization Day. The Government of India celebrates National Vaccination Day every year to convey the importance of vaccination to the people of the country. In the year 1995, the first dose of an oral vaccine against polio was given in India. India has been observing the Pulse Polio Programme since 1995. The prime purpose behind the celebration of National Vaccination Day is to make all people aware of arming against polio and eradicating it completely from the world.On 27 March 2014, India was certified as a polio-free country along with 11 other countries of the South-East Asia Region of the World Health Organisation (WHO). These countries were Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Thailand. In India, the last case of polio patients was reported on 13 January 2011.
World Immunization Week 2020- 24 April to 30 April
The theme of World Immunization Week 2020: VaccinesWork for All.
3. 20th March-World Sparrow Day
Every year March 20 is observed as World Sparrow Day to raise awareness about the bird.The diminutive house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is perhaps one of the earliest birds you can remember from your childhood. Every year celebration is organised according to the theme. The theme for World Sparrow Day is "I LOVE Sparrows" and is pictured like " I ♥Sparrows”. It is a hope that with this theme more people will join several events and campaigns to protect the sparrows. We all have some kind of special bond with sparrows since our childhood. Theme “I Love sparrow” will remind people the love and bond with sparrows and encourage them to come forward.
4. 20th March-World Happiness Day
Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness on 20th March as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness.
The theme of the International Day of Happiness 2020 is “Happier Together". It focuses on what we have in common, rather than what divides us.
5. 22 March-World Water Day
World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of freshwater.World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.The idea for this international day goes back to 1992, the year in which the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro took place. That same year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by which 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993.
Every year World Water Day follows a theme to highlight a cause.
Theme for 2020- 'Water and Climate Change'
6. 23 March- Shaheed Diwas: The day Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were martyred
Every year, March 23 also known as Shaheed Diwas or Sarvodaya Day is observed as Martyrs Day as a tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru.
The Government of India declared March 23 as Shaheed Diwas. They fought for the freedom of India from the colonial rulers and sacrificed their lives on March 23, 1931. They were hanged to death by the British for the assassination of British Police Officer John Saunders.
They mistook John for Superintendent James Scott, who was the brain behind the lathi charge against Lala Lajpat Rai and his followers, who were protesting against the Simon Commission.
7. 24 March- World Tuberculosis Day
Each year, the World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is observed on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease. The theme of World TB Day 2020 - ‘It’s time’ – puts the accent on the urgency to act on the commitments made by global leaders to:
• scale up access to prevention and treatment;
• build accountability;
• ensure sufficient and sustainable financing including for research;
• promote an end to stigma and discrimination, and
• promote an equitable, rights-based and people-centered TB response.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a joint initiative “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership, with the aim of accelerating the TB response and ensuring access to care, in line with WHO’s overall drive towards Universal Health Coverage. This World TB Day, WHO calls on governments, affected communities, civil society organizations, health-care providers, and national/international partners to unite forces under the banner “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” to ensure no one is left behind.
8. India’s First-Ever AI Summit, RAISE 2020, Postponed Due to Coronavirus
The government announced to postpone the nation's first summit on Artificial Intelligence (AI) that was scheduled to be held in the Capital in October amid the growing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.Titled 'RAISE 2020 (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment 2020),' the summit on October 5-6 was announced as a global meeting of minds to exchange ideas and charter a course to use AI for social transformation, inclusion and empowerment in key areas like healthcare, agriculture, education and smart mobility, among other sectors.The 'Startup Pitchfest' is a platform for startups to showcase their ideas for use of AI in accelerating social transformation, inclusion and empowerment.
The summit aims to create a data-rich environment as India has the potential to be the world's leading AI laboratory that can eventually transform lives globally.
9. Phool Dei Festival celebrated in Uttarakhand
It is known as the harvest festival of the state Uttarakhand, Phool Dei is an auspicious folk festival which welcomes the spring season in the state. The festival is celebrated on the first day of the Hindu month, Chaitra. Young girls are the most enthusiastic ones to participate in the festival. Phool Dei is all about flowers and springtime. In some places, the festival is celebrated as carnival and the celebration goes on for a month. The term 'Dei' refers to a ceremonial pudding which is the key food in this festival that is made from jaggery. White flour and curd are also offered to everyone.
PEOPLE IN NEWS
1. Ex-SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya resigns from Crisil board
Crisil said Arundhati Bhattacharya, the past chairman of State Bank of India, has submitted her resignation as independent director of the company effective April 15.
In her resignation, Ms. Bhattacharya has indicated that the reason for her resignation is her decision to accept a full time role as chairperson and CEO in another company.
Ms. Bhattacharya was the first woman to lead the more than two centuries-old State Bank of India, which controls over a quarter of the nation’s banking system.
She retired in 2017 after a one-year extension spending four decades in various roles and then moved onto the international payment platform Swift India as its chairman, a position she still occupies.
2. Indian football team skipper Sunil Chhetri among 28 players named for FIFA's campaign to combat COVID-19 crisis
Talismanic Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri was picked among 28 past and present stars for world governing body FIFA's campaign to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
FIFA and the World Health Organization (WHO) have teamed up to combat the coronavirus by launching a new awareness campaign led by world-renowned footballers, who are calling on all people around the world to follow five key steps to stop the spread of the disease.
The 'Pass the message to kick out coronavirus' campaign promotes five key steps for people to follow to protect their health in line with WHO guidance, focused on hand washing, coughing etiquette, not touching your face, physical distance and staying home if feeling unwell.
The 28 players, who will be involved in the video campaign to be published in 13 languages, include some of the best known players like Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and World Cup winners like Philip Lahm, Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol.
3. Coronavirus: Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive
U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for the coronavirus. Johnson said he has developed a temperature and a persistent cough over the past 24 hours in a video on his twitter account.On the advice of England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, Johnson was tested for the coronavirus.
4. Prince Charles tests positive for COVID-19
Prince Charles, 71, was tested for the virus in Scotland, where he is with the Duchess of Cornwall, who tested negative.
In accordance with Government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland. The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing.
Health officials in the UK have been bracing for a spike in deaths and cases in the coming week, with thousands of retired doctors, nurses and final-year medical students joining the National Health Service, which was already facing severe shortage of staff before the crisis.
5. Mario Diaz-Balart became the first member of US Senate to have contracted the COVID 19 virus
U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first member of Congress known to have contracted the virus.Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, has been self-quarantining in Washington.
6. US Prez renominates Indian-American law Professor, Aditya Bamzai to Privacy & Civil Liberties
US President Donald Trump has renominated a prominent Indian-American law professor and legal expert, Aditya Bamzai to be the Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. It is an agency whose mission is to ensure the federal government's efforts to prevent terrorism are balanced with the need to protect privacy and civil liberties.The nomination of Aditya Bamzai of Virginiawas sent to the US Senate.
The Board is an independent agency within the Executive Branch established by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The Board's mission is to ensure that the federal government's efforts to prevent terrorism are balanced with the need to protect privacy and civil liberties.
7. Satyarup Siddhanta becomes first Indian to complete volcanic Seven Summit, enters 'Limca Book of Records’
Satyarup Siddhanta has been nominated for the coveted Limca Book of World Records for his extra-ordinary achievement to be the first Indian to climb the highest volcanoes of each of the 7 continents. He holds a world record for being the youngest in the world to summit the highest mountains (7 Summits) of each continent, including the Mt. Everest in Nepal, and highest Volcanoes (Volcanic 7 summits) of each continent. Several other prestigious records he has achieved, like Asia book of Records, India Book of Records, Champions Book of Records, British Book of records etc.
His Seven volcanic summits are: Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) - Chile - South America, Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) - Tanzania - Africa, Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) - Russia - Europe, Mount Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m) - Mexico - North America, Mt Damavand (5,610 m) - Iran - Asia, Mt Giluwe (4,368 m) - Papua New Guinea - Australia and Mt Sidley (4,285 m) - Antarctica.Kolkata mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta reached the peak of Antartica's highest point, the 4,285m Mount Sidleyand became the world’s youngest person to climb the seven highest peaks and the seven highest volcanic summits across the seven continents of the world in seven years. He is also the first person in India to conquer the seven mountain peaks and seven volcanic summits.
8. Minal Dakhave Bhosale makes India's 1st Covid-19 testing kit hours before delivering her baby
Virologist Minal Dakhave Bhosale, who is the research and development chief of Mylab Discovery in Pune, the first Indian firm to get full approval to make and sell Covid-19 testing kits, managed to provide the testing kit for evaluation just a day before she delivered her daughter.Her efforts paid the price with her team delivering the testing kit in a record time of six weeks. Bhosale, who headed the team that designed the coronavirus testing kit called Patho Detect, said it was done "in record time" - six weeks instead of three or four months.
Minal Dakhave Bhosale's story became an inspiration to many, including industrialist Anand Mahindra, who earlier announced that his company would be manufacturing ventilators and converting Mahindra resorts into care facilities to fight against the pandemic outbreak.
9. Shivraj Singh Chauhan takes oath as CM of Madhya Pradesh
BJP's Shivraj Singh Chouhan was sworn in as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh by Governor Lalji Tandon at a ceremony at the Raj Bhawan in Bhopal. This is the fourth time Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been administered the oath of office as CM.
The ceremony was held amid a coronavirus-induced lockdown in the state capital resulting in no invitations for party leaders or the press.
10. Ranjan Gogoi, former CJI, takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP
Ranjan Gogoi, a former Chief Justice of India who headed benches that delivered key judgments like the Ayodhya verdict, took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP.
His appointment to the legislature has been mired in controversy: several critics see it as detrimental to the independence of the judiciary.
Ranjan Gogoi says he accepted the President's nomination to the Rajya Sabha "because of a strong conviction that the legislature and judiciary must at some point of time work together for nation-building”.
The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250, of which 12 are nominated by the President.
11. Rand Paul is first US senator to test positive for coronavirus
Senator Rand Paul had tested positive for the disease caused by the new coronavirus, becoming the first member of the Senate to report a case of Covid-19.Paul, a deficit hawk, was among eight Senate Republicans who voted against a House-passed bill that provided more than $100 billion to boost testing for the coronavirus and guarantee paid sick leave for millions of workers. He also was only Republican senator who opposed an earlier bill authorizing $8.3 billion for initial response to the coronavirus.Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart and Ben McAdams have become the first members of Congress to test positive for coronavirus, a grim new indicator of the virus' aggressive spread.
12. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s wife Sophie tests positive for coronavirus
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was tested positive for the new coronavirus. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau would remain in isolation
Justin Trudeau will also be in isolation.
INDEX AND RANKINGS
1. UN World Happiness Index: India ranks 144
The World Happiness Report 2020 has been released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Finland was once again crowned as the world’s happiest country, extending its lead over Denmark and Switzerland.Finland is ranked as the world’s happiest nation for the third consecutive year.India, previously ranked at 140 dropped to 144.
The Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations released the World Happiness Report on 20th March, 2020.
March 20 was designated as the World Happiness Day by the UN General Assembly in 2012.
The World Happiness Report is a landmark survey of the state of global happiness that ranks 156 countries by how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. The World Happiness Report 2020 for the first time ranks cities around the world by their subjective well-being and digs more deeply into how the social, urban and natural environments combine to affect our happiness.
The rankings are based on polling (Gallup World Poll) which looks at six variables: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption.
The 2020 Report for the first time ranked cities around the world by their subjective well-being and looked into how the social, urban and natural environments combine to affect happiness.
AWARDS
1. Hillel Furstenberg & Gregory Margulis : Abel Prize Laureates 2020
The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters named Israeli-American Hillel Furstenberg from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel and Russian-American Gregory Margulis from Yale University, USA as winners of the Abel Prize 2020. They share the prize & the amount of Norwegian Krone (NOK) 7.5 Million (USD 8.3400).Hillel Furstenberg hails from Berlin. He is the winner of the Israel Prize for exact sciences and the Wolf Prize in mathematics. Gregory Margulis hails from Moscow,in 1978 he won the Fields Medal at 32 years old but did not receive the medal in Helsinki due to the refusal of Soviet authorities & is the winner of the Lobachevsky Prize and the Wolf Prize in Mathematics.
On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Niels Henrik Abel’s (Norway mathematician who made pioneering contributions in a variety of fields) birth, the Abel Prize was established by the Norwegian government in 2002. The Prize recognises extraordinary contributions to the field of mathematics & is funded by the Norwegian Government.
Based on the recommendations of the Abel Committee, which consists of five internationally recognized mathematicians, the Abel Laureates is chosen.
