Steps taken to ensure safety of healthcare and other health workers of hospitals

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1. Ayushman Bharat- Health & Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) have made their presence felt during the times of COVID
Monday July 27 2020 : During the COVID-19 pandemic, the resilience of India’s public health systems particularly in the rural hinterland was reflected through continued operationalization of the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers (AB - HWCs) and continued delivery of non-COVID essential health services while also meeting the urgent tasks of prevention and management of COVID-19. An additional 13,657 HWCs were operationalized within the period of the pandemic itself (between January to July 2020) to ensure that an array of healthcare reaches the vast community of citizens they serve. As of 24th July, 2020, a total of 43,022 HWCs are operational across different parts of the country. In the week starting 18th July till the 24th of July, a total of 44.26 lakh people have benefitted from the health and wellness services being provided by the AB-HWCs. The cumulative total footfall among the HWCs since their inception (i.e. 14th April 2018) consequently rose to 1923.93 lakh. This is a testimony to the foundational work of the HWCs in their communities. They have played a pivotal role in ensuring that non-COVID essential services are not hampered and continue to be provided. 32,000 yoga sessions were conducted in last week in AB-HWCs all across India. 14.24 lakh yoga sessions have been conducted in total by the HWCs since their inception.          Apart from this, HWCs are playing a major role in mass screening for non-communicable diseases. In the last week alone, 3.83 lakh individuals were screened for hypertension, 3.14 lakh for diabetes, 1.15 lakh for oral cancer, 45,000 for breast cancer and 36,000 for cervical cancer. Since their inception, the HWCs have tested a total of 4.72 crore individuals for hypertension, 3.14 crore for diabetes, 2.43 crore for oral cancer, 1.37 crore for breast cancer and 91.32 lakhs for cervical cancer. Th

2. Steps taken by Government to support tribal communities during Covid pandemic
Thursday September 17 2020 : Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has constituted a team of officers to prepare the roadmap and take necessary measures for implementation/realization of initiatives to restore growth in the economy after the Covid-19 Pandemic. On request of MoTA, the Ministry of Home Affairs has vide Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 16/04/20 issued guidelines aiming to relax the provisions of lockdown for Collection, harvesting and processing of Minor Forest Produce(MFP)/ Non Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) by STs and other forest dwellers in forest areas across the country. MoTA also revised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP), offering much-needed support to tribal gatherers in view of the exceptional and very difficult circumstances prevailing in the country due to the Corona Virus Pandemic. To provide a fillip to the Income generating activities of tribals through MFP Procurements, revised MSP for MFP guidelines were issued on May 1 2020, which increased the MSP prices of the MFPs and helped in providing higher incomes for the tribal gatherers. Moreover, on May 26, 2020, the MoTA also added 23 new items under the MSP for MFP list taking the total number of MFPs under the scheme to 73. These items include agricultural and horticultural produce collected by tribal gatherers. The COVID response team of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs formulated a COVID-19 Pandemic response plan for Scheduled Tribe livelihood and Health. The same has been approved by the Secretary, Tribal Affairs and is already circulated among various stakeholders for necessary action. States/UTs have been asked to utilize the funds from State TSP as well as submit a comprehensive proposal on these lines under various schemes of this Ministry.The steps included in the response plan are as under: Provision of Community Kitchen in ST areas (PVTG dominated Gram Panchayat) Ensuring supply of ration  Basic financial support through DBT Operationalization of already sanctioned VDVKs on mission mode (1126 VDVKs in 21 States and 1 UT) Assessment of stock of MFPs and Non-MFPs available with SHGs and finding markets for these products through TRIFED.  Development of Online Platform for procurement, sale and supply chain management of tribal produce at remunerative prices for the tribal producers, tribal farmers and MFP gatherers. Improving village level water availability. Cultivation of early and late varieties of vegetables  Small goat rearing unit, mini-layer unit, fishery kits for fisherman, mushroom cultivation and bee-keeping, etc Self employment training and Bank linkage  Skill development of youth Infrastructure creation and employment generation through construction work of EMRS Support towards Creation of Isolation/Quarantine Facilities in scheduled tribe areas (Gap filling). Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with Ministry of Rural Development has done mapping of sectoral gaps down to the level of Gram Panchayat & village. The data has been share

3. NTPC supports local administration to strengthen health infrastructure to fight against COVID at its coal Mining Projects
Monday May 31 2021 : NTPC , a Maharatna CPSU under Ministry of Power and it’s Pakri Barwadih Coal Mining Project, Hazaribagh  under CSR initiative has come forward for installation Centralised Manifold Oxygen Support system for 300 beds ITKI TB Sanatorium, a dedicated COVID Care hospital located in the outskirts of Ranchi. This comes in view of the second wave of COVID pandemic in the country as well as in Jharkhand state resulting in a high surge in critical cases and resulting in bed scarcity across all the major hospitals in Ranchi and Hazaribagh including Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RlMS). The hospital is one of the covid cluster care centre intends to increase the treatment of covid patients to minimise the load on the city hospitals during ongoing COVID second wave. NTPC is improving the existing infrastructure facility to mitigate COVID-19. Further, it is providing assistance to RIMS Hospital, Ranchi for installation of oxygen piping system to support 600 oxygen equipped beds with 40 jumbo cylinder with accessories for covid treatment with the financial support under the CSR initiative. The support intends to cater to the large need for oxygen for COVID patients admitted at hospitals. The oxygen equipped beds for Covid Care ICU/Wards shall be helpful not only for the residents of the city but people of Jharkhand visiting the hospital for treatment. NTPC Pakri Barwadih Coal Mining Project has also come forward for assistance to Seikh Bhikari Medical College in association with Hazaribagh District Administration to facilitate and install a centralized Oxygen system supporting 180 beds for critical care with the financial assistance of 24 lakhs. NTPC Tallaiapalli Coal Mining project, Chattisgarh has contributed towards providing medical equipment, services, supplies for the prevention of the COVID19 epidemic was provided to Raigad District Administration. The project is actively involved in rendering assistance for Renovation of Hospital Buildings of State Community Health Center (CHC), PPE kits distribution among Medical Staffs, sanitisation workers and distribution of food grains to needy locals & stranded labourers. Considering the huge surge in COVID-19 cases in India, NTPC is taking several steps to fight against the spread of the virus under the guidance of Ministry of Power .NTPC is adding to the capacity at its hospitals or otherwise helping the local administration for developing such facilities which are being used for treating COVID-19 infected people. Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723113

4. Announces the National Digital Health Mission
Saturday August 15 2020 : The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and India’s simultaneous graded and pro-active approach that made the country “Atmanirbhar” found a place in the Prime Minister’s address to the Nation on the 74th Independence Day, as he highlighted the accomplishments of the Central government in the field of health. Expressing his condolences for families who lost their loved ones to the disease, he said that India’s Corona warriors need to be applauded as they have exemplified the mantra “Seva Parmo Dharma.” The Prime Minister reassured the nation that “we will win against corona. ‘Strong will’ will lead to victory”. He highlighted the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ spirit of the country that has resulted in achieving self-reliance amid COVID-19. He said that the country is now producing PPE kits, N95 masks, ventilators etc., which were not being manufactured domestically. The increase in production capacity of such world class items also echoed in his call “vocal for local”. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort today, the Prime Minister highlighted the country’s steady escalation of its COVID testing capacity “From merely one lab we have today more than 1400 labs across the country. We were earlier conducting just 300 tests on a day; today we are conducting more than 7 lakh tests in a day. We have achieved this in a very less amount of time”, he stated. In his Independence Day address to the nation, the Prime Minister mentioned about India’s strategy for development of the Corona Vaccine. He stated that sscientists are working on this mission with strong determination. Presently, three vaccines are in different stages of testing. As soon as the scientists give a nod, mass production shall commence. A blueprint for the production and distribution of the vaccine is also ready, he added. Expanding on the country’s push for increased capacity in Medical Education and Health Infrastructure, Prime Minister stated that the new AIIMS and medical colleges will strengthen the medical infrastructure in the country. We have added more than 45,000 seats in MBBS and MD courses, he added. The Prime Minister also appreciated the role played by the Ayushman Bharat health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) in provisioning of non-COVID healthcare services during the ongoing pandemic. Of the envisaged 1.5 lakh HWCs, one third are already active, he said. He also expressed confidence that Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) will improve the effectiveness of services in the health sector. Announcing the National Digital Health Mission, Prime Minister said that a Unique Health ID will be provided to every citizen which will have details of the diseases, diagnosis, report, medication etc., in a common database through a single ID. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1646049

5. New technologies used by Railway Protection Force (RPF) enhancing the Safety & Security of Passengers and other Railway operations
Friday June 25 2021 : Safety and security is one of the priority areas by Indian Railways. Apart from safety and security of passengers, Railway Protection Force (RPF) has contributed in a big way during Covid-19 in Indian Railways efforts to sustain its fight against the virus. During the pandemic, RPF remained on the forefront of Indian Railway’s efforts like security of parked rolling stock, providing food to the needy, escorting all Shramik Special trains, handling 45 deliveries and about 34 medical emergencies in Shramik Specials. RPF has formulated a special plan ‘Reach out, secure and rehabilitate’ for protecting Covid orphans. RPF has initiated a drive to identify children in distress at station/in trains or in nearby towns/villages/hospitals orphaned due to Covid. The staff is sensitized to provide special attention to the children impacted due to the spread of pandemic COVID-19. People in the nearby areas and passengers visiting stations are sensitized regarding the services and facilities available nearby for children in distress situations. One nodal RPF personnel for each child is responsible from the time the child is secured to the time of his/her rehabilitation. Many incidents of RPF personnel risking their own lives while saving the precious lives at stations were reported. 9 Jeewan Raksha Medals and 01 Gallantry Medal awarded to RPF personnel by Hon’ble President of India since 2018 for saving lives. Induction of ladies in large number in RPF gave impetus to Indian Railway’s efforts to improve women security. Recruitment of 10568 vacancies in RPF was completed in 2019. After CBT, PET/PMT, Document verification, Medical examination and Police verification, recruitment was concluded. The percentage of women in RPF prior to recruitment was 3% (2312), post recruitment, it is 9% (6242). RPF is the central force having highest share of women in its ranks. Meri Saheli initiative launched by RPF from 17th Oct. 2020 across zones has given focused attention to women travelling alone in long distance trains. A team of young lady RPF personnel interact with them at originating station, en-route till terminating station. Security of Female passengers has been upgraded by RPF by formation of Special Lady Squads like Bhairvi, Virangna, Shakti. Escorting of all ladies special trains in metro cities and local trains by RPF is being ensured. Focused deployment during late night and early morning local trains. Gender sensitization / passenger awareness programmes are carried out regularly. Continuous drives against offenders travelling in ladies coaches is a regular exercise by RPF personnel. About 129500 (from 2019 to 2021 up to May) male passengers traveling in ladies coaches were arrested under section 162 of Railway Act and prosecuted by RPF. RPF has played an important role in the rescue of children. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) finalized in consultation with Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). Child Help Desks manned by nominated NGOs functional at 132 stations till 2020. Total 56318 children have been rescued from 2017 up to May2021. Total 976 Child

6. Government has taken several steps to promote India as a Medical and Health Tourism Destination: Shri G Kishan Reddy
Tuesday July 20 2021 : Government has taken several steps to promote India as a Medical and Health Tourism Destination: Shri G Kishan Reddy Key Highlights: National Medical & Wellness Tourism Board constituted to promote Medical/Wellness Tourism, AYUSH A draft National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism formulated ‘E- Medical Visa’ introduced for 166 countries Assistance provided under Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme to medical/wellness Tourism Service Providers &Centres Medical & health tourism promoted at World Travel Mart (London), ITB, Berlin, Arabian Travel Mart etc.  Ministry of Tourism has taken several steps to promote India as a Medical and Health Tourism Destination. In order to provide dedicated institutional framework to take forward the cause of promotion of Medical Tourism, Wellness Tourism and Yoga, Ayurveda Tourism and any other format of Indian system of medicine covered by Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH), Ministry has constituted a National Medical & Wellness Tourism Board with the Minister (Tourism) as its Chairman.  The Board works as an umbrella organization that promotes this segment of tourism in an organized manner. Ministry of Tourism has formulated a draft National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism.  In order to make the document more comprehensive, Ministry of Tourism has invited feedback/ comments/ suggestions on the draft National Strategy and Roadmap from identified Central Ministries, all the State Governments/UT Administrations and industry stakeholders.  Brochure, CDs and other publicity material to promote Medical and health tourism have been produced by the Ministry and the same are widely distributed and circulated for publicity in target markets. Medical and health tourism have been specifically promoted at various international platforms such as World Travel Mart, London, ITB, Berlin, Arabian Travel Mart etc. Medical Visa’ has been introduced, which can be given for specific purpose to foreign travelers coming to India for medical treatment. ‘E- Medical Visa’ has also been introduced for 166 countries.    Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance under Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme to Medical/Wellness Tourism Service Providers and Wellness Centres accredited by NABH for participation in Medical/Tourism Fairs, Medical Conferences, Wellness Conferences, Wellness Fairs and allied Road Shows. This information was given by Minister o

7. ESIC takes Major Policy Initiatives for better services to Insured Workers/Insured Women
Tuesday February 23 2021 : Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) during its 184th Meeting held on 22.02.2021 under the chairmanship of Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Labour& Employment (Independent Charge), Govt. of India has taken several significant decisions to improve its service delivery mechanism and to strengthen the medical infrastructure benefiting its Insured Workers.   Highlights Relaxation in contributory conditions to avail Sickness Benefit to the Insured Women availing Maternity Benefit Relaxation in contributory conditions to avail Sickness & Maternity Benefits for the benefit period of January to June’2021 ESIC to construct 300 bedded Hospital including 50 Super Specialty beds at Haridwar, Uttarakhand ESIC to construct 350 bedded Hospital with additional 50 bedded SST wing at Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Establishment of Negative Pressure ICU at ESIC Super Specialty Hospital & Medical College at Hyderabad, Telangana ESI Corporation approves the Revised Estimates & Budget Estimates for the year 2020-21 & 2021-22 and Performance Budget for the year 2021-22  

8. Google deletes 22 Android apps with hidden virus, check this list to see and ensure they are not in your phone
Saturday December 8 2018 : After Sophos, a cyber security company that makes security apps wrote a blog post about it, Google has deleted 22 apps from the Play store. The apps were deemed malicious — like a computer or mobile virus — and had a backdoor built into them that helped the apps do ad-fraud. Collectively these 22 apps were downloaded by over 2 million times before they were deleted. Read Comeplete News here

9. Recovery rate of COVID-19 rises to 25%; doubling rate improves to 11 days: Health Ministry
Friday May 1 2020 : Recovery rate of COVID-19 rises to 25%; doubling rate improves to 11 days: Health Ministry Briefing media in New Delhi, a Health Ministry official said recovery rate has improved from 13.06 per cent to above 25 percent in 14 days which is a positive sign. The doubling rate of novel coronavirus is now 11 days compared to 3.4 days before lockdown. States whose doubling rate is better than national average and is between 11 to 20 days are Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Punjab. States whose doubling rate is between 20 to 40 days include Karnataka, Ladakh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Kerala. Assam, Telangana, Chattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh have doubling rate of above 40 days.   Click here to Read full Details Sources @ http://ddnews.gov.in/national/recovery-rate-covid-19-rises-25-doubling-rate-improves-11-days-health-ministry

10. Shri Gadkari Lays Foundation Stone for 13 Highway Projects and Inaugurates a Road Safety Project in Manipur; Announces Slew of Development Measures for NE States
Monday August 17 2020 : Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stones for 13 highway projects and inaugurated a Road safety project in the North-Eastern State of Manipur through video conference today. Chief Minister Shri N Biren Singh presided over the virtual function, attended by MoS (I/c) for DONER and PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS RTH Gen (Retd) V K Singh, Ministers of the Manipur State, several MPs, MLAs and senior officers from the Centre and the State. These projects involve a Road length of 316 kilometers, with construction value of about Rs 3000 crore. Paving the way for development of Manipur, these roads will enhance better connectivity, convenience and economic growth in this NE State. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gadkari said, keeping with Prime Minister's desire to develop infrastructure in the NE, we have undertaken several projects in the region. He assured many new Road projects in Manipur in near future. The Minister announced that the DPR for an elevated road in Imphal is being prepared and within 2-3 months work on this project will begin. Shri Gadkari asked the CM to expedite land acquisition and utility shifting work in the State urgently, so that road projects could be hastened up. On issue Central Road Fund(CRF) also, he assured release of additional funds of about Rs 250 crore as soon as the utilization certificate is received from the State. The Minister informed that dredging has been completed in Brahmputra and Barak rivers, and it is now possible to Transport people and consignments through waterways. He suggested linking of Imphal with this river route, which is barely 50-60 kms, for getting added benefits for the State economy. He also called for adopting alternate fuel for public transport in the NE region, it being cheaper as well  as environment friendly. Shri Gadkari highlighted the role of MSME sector in improving the employment and economic scenario in Manipur. Informing about the recent expansion in the definition of MSME units, he exhorted the CM to utilise the opportunity and explore export potential of handicrafts, handloom, and honey, bamboo products etc which can provide employment to large number of people. Chief Minister Shri Biren Singh said, Manipur being a hill-locked State with heavy rains requires top quality Road network to withstand the vagaries of nature. He welcomed the decision of MoRTH in favour of a 25 km elevated Road in Imphal. He, however, pointed out the need for four-laning of Imphal-Loktak highway, which has heavy traffic, due to it being a famous tourist attraction. MoS (I/c) for DONER and PMO Dr Jitendra Singh said, today's event gives three important messages. That the North East continues to be the priority of the govt, that infrastructure works have continued in this region despite all odds, and that it is in keeping with the PMs call from Lal Kila for development of Rs 100 lakh crore infrastructure in the country. MoS RTH Gen (Retd) V K Singh said, under the Act East Policy, the government has devoted special attention to the north eastern States. He

11. Launch of Tribal Health & Nutrition Portal – Swasthya and Opening of National Overseas Portal & National Tribal Fellowship Portal
Monday August 17 2020 : A series of initiatives were announced by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs here today, which included the Tribal Health and Nutrition Portal ‘Swasthya’ and e-newsletter on health and nutrition ALEKH; opening of National Overseas Portal and National Tribal Fellowship Portal. Present during the occasion were Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Smt. Renuka Singh Saruta, Secretary (Coordination), Cabinet Secretariat Shri V.P. Joy and officers of Ministry of Tribal Affairs led by Shri Deepak Khandekar, Secretary, M/o Tribal Affairs. Shri Navaljit Kapoor, Joint Secretary, MoTA gave presentation of Performance Dashboard of Ministry where various outcome indicators of 11 schemes and Initiatives of the Ministry are reflected.     Shri Arjun Munda inaugurated the e-portal on tribal health and nutrition named ‘Swasthya’, a first of its kind e-portal, providing all health and nutrition related information of the tribal population of India in a single platform. Swasthya will also curate innovative practices, research briefs, case studies, and best practices collected from different parts of India to facilitate the exchange of evidence, expertise and experiences. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has recognized Piramal Swasthya as the Centre of Excellence for Knowledge Management (CoE for KM) for Health and Nutrition. The CoE will constantly engage with the Ministry and provide inputs to drive evidence-based policy and decision-making pertaining to health and nutrition of the tribal population of India. The portal http://swasthya.tribal.gov.in is hosted on NIC cloud.    During the event, Shri Arjun Munda stated, “The availability of healthcare for all has been one of the foremost priorities of our Prime Minister. Although the public health standards have improved over time, the differences between tribal and non-tribal populations remain. We, at the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, are committed to bridge this gap. I am glad that the ‘Swasthya’ portal has come out very well. The launch of the portal is a first step towards the much bigger goal of serving the tribal population of our nation. With support from all the stakeholders, I hope and expect to grow stronger and serve better towards fulfilment of visions of our Prime Minister ‘Healthy India.”  He further informed about the initiatives of the Ministry in partnership with Facebook though the ‘Going Online as Leaders (GOAL)’ Programme. Through the GOAL Programme, the Ministry aims to mentor 5000 Tribal Youth across India and enable them to become village-level digital young leaders for their communities. He stated “We are working very hard to make this programme a big success and I have every hope that the initiative will realize its objectives and result in empowering tribal youth to become leading resource

12. Petrol Prices Near 90 Rupees In Mumbai, Above 80 Rupees In Other Metros
Tuesday September 11 2018 : Petrol and diesel prices set fresh highs as fuel rates were increased further on Tuesday. A litre of petrol was being sold in New Delhi for Rs. 80.87, in Kolkata for Rs.83.75, in Mumbai for Rs. 88.26, and in Chennai for Rs. 84.07, according to the largest fuel retailer, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Diesel was being sold at the rate of Rs.72.97/ litre in New Delhi, Rs. 75.82/ litre in Kolkata, Rs.77.47/ litre in Mumbai, and Rs. 77.15/ litre in Chennai.On Monday, Andhra Pradesh government announced a reduction of tax on petrol and diesel by Rs. 2 a litre.On Sunday, poll-bound Rajasthan slashed the tax on petrol and diesel. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje announced a 4 per cent reduction which brought the prices of the two commodities down by Rs. 2.5 per litre in the state.The Centre currently levies a total excise duty of Rs. 19.48 per litre of petrol and Rs. 15.33 per litre on diesel. On top of this, states levy Value Added Tax (VAT) -- the lowest being in Andaman and Nicobar Islands where 6 per cent sales tax is charged on both the fuels.Petrol and diesel rates are revised on a daily basis by oil-marketing companies, after considering global crude oil rates and the movement of the rupee against the US dollar. The rupee has been plunging to hit fresh lows almost every day this month and has sunk 11.6 per cent so far against the dollar this year.In the global markets, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $67.61 per barrel at 0112 GMT or 6:42 am IST, up 7 cents from their last settlement, according to a report by news agency Reuters. Brent crude futures climbed 11 cents to $77.48 a barrel.

13. AstraZeneca Partners With Docon to Digitise Healthcare Clinics Across India
Thursday July 1 2021 : AstraZeneca Partners With Docon to Digitise Healthcare Clinics Across India  ●        Through this partnership AstraZeneca and Docon plans to digitize 1,000 clinics in 2021, to provide better patient outcomes for 10 Lakh patients across India.  Mumbai, India:AstraZeneca India (AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited), a leading science-led biopharmaceutical company, today announced that they have signed and memorandum of understanding with Docon Technologies, Bengaluru, for digitising 1,000 clinics across India. Under the partnership, Docon will equip the identified clinics with customised Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems enabling clinicians to access complete patient history.  This will  go a long way in helping the clinical community better treat chronic patients and manage long-term complications of non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The rising risk of NCD related deaths has necessitated the need for better treatment protocols to reduce mortality rates and hence having a centralised repository of critical patient history becomes important. According to The Indian Health Ministry, 1 in 4 Indians has a risk of dying from an NCD before they reach the age of 70. The major NCDs in India are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. Physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, and the harmful use of alcohol are the main behavioural risk factors for NCDs. They contribute to raised blood pressure (hypertension); raised blood sugar (diabetes); raised and abnormal blood lipids (dyslipidaemia); and obesity. In addition to the multiple government initiatives in the country, digitisation of small clinics with the support of EMR, teleconsultation and other additional facilities will provide the doctor and the patient a better opportunity to interact and ensure that there is constant monitoring of the patient and medication adherence.   Commenting on the initiative, Mr.Gagandeep Singh, Managing Director, AstraZeneca India said, “As a part of AstraZeneca’s continued vision to tackle NCD’s at the grassroot level, we are happy to partner with Docon to develop and provide a sustainable way to prevent, identify and manage NCD’s across the country. The need for a centralised repository on patient information has been discussed at length but the implementation of this has not been a smooth journey. As a company that relies on the power of Science in the treatment and managing NCDs, we are committed to collaborating with relevant players in the ecosystem in advancing the best science and technology can offer in bettering patient outcomes.”  Akash Valia, Business & Growth Head at Docon Technologies, said "We are extremely excited to work alongside AstraZeneca’s team to further the cause of digitalization of doctor clinics and patient health record management. Non-communicable disease

14. Health Secretary interacts with 11 COVID-19 high case load municipal areas
Saturday May 23 2020 : Ms Preeti Sudan, Health Secretary and Shri Rajesh Bhushan, OSD, MoHFW along with senior officers of the Health Ministry held a high level review meeting (through video conference) with the Pr. Health Secretaries, Urban Development Secretaries, Municipal Commissioners, Mission Directors (NHM) and other officials from the 11 municipal areas which have high case load of Covid-19, here today. Shri Kamran Rizvi, Addl. Secy, MoHUA also participated in the VC. These 11 municipal areas are from the following States/UTs: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan and account for 70% of India's active case load. A presentation was made to highlight the trend in case trajectory with respect to total confirmed cases, case fatality rate, doubling time, tests per million and confirmation percentage. It was told that major challenge lies in those corporations having shorter doubling time, higher mortality rate and a higher confirmation rate than the national average. They were briefed about the factors to be considered while mapping the containment and buffer zones; the activities mandated in containment zone like perimeter control, active search for cases through house to house surveillance, contact tracing, testing protocol, clinical management of the active cases; surveillance activities in the buffer zone like monitoring of SARI/ILI cases, ensuring social distancing, promoting hand hygiene etc. Maintaining high vigilance and monitoring in areas of old cities, urban slums and other high density pockets along with the camps/clusters for migrant workers are important steps in COVID-19 management in the urban areas. It was pointed out that the focus needs to be on prevention through active screening of high risk and vulnerable population and groups, and effective and sturdy clinical management of the admitted cases to reduce fatality rate. While many have operationalised 24x7 state control rooms, others could also follow the lead and start such units which shall not only provide assistance to the people for various facilities/services regarding COVID-19 management, but also have a panel of domain experts and doctors to provide round the clock support and mentoring for clinical issues which shall effectively contribute to reducing fatality rate. It was pointed out that testing needs to stepped up  in some municipal areas to ensure early detection of cases, timely clinical management and a reduction in fatality rate. They also need to be mindful of ramping up the health infrastructure to ensure preparedness for the next two months with special focus on isolation beds with oxygen, ventilators and ICU beds. Other issues that need focused attention include active coordination with government and private labs to address delays in sample collection, partnership with private hospitals to augment the health/bed capacity, waste disposal and disinfection of COVID positive areas, management of camps for migrant labourers, creating awareness regarding issues such as stigmatization of patients and medical professionals in local languages, actively involving community leaders, yo

15. Advisory issued on safety precautions for rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) service providers
Wednesday September 2 2020 : In compliance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Order dated 3.4.2020 in WP (PIL) No.10808/2020 for ensuring safe drinking water during lock down period due to CoVID-19 pandemic, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti had issued an advisory to all States/ UTs on April 13, 2020. With the lockdown eased out and socio-economic activities resumed, especially with the commencement of post-monsoon working season, the water supply infrastructure activities have to be implemented on a bigger scale and with speed to achieve the goal of providing tap water connections to all rural households. Hence, it is imperative for WASH service providers at the forefront to follow all the necessary precautions to avoid contraction and spread of the virus. Current evidence indicates that the CoVid-19 virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact, and transmission occurs when contaminated hands touch the mucosa of the mouth, nose, or eyes; the virus can also be transferred from one surface to another by contaminated hands, which facilitates indirect contact transmission. Along with physical distancing, hand hygiene is the most effective single measure to reduce the spread of infections through multimodal strategies, including access to the appropriate supplies. To ensure hand hygiene is practiced through hand wash at regular intervals, in order to contain the spread of the Corona virus, there is an urgent need to make tap water available inside every rural household premises. For this purpose, adequate fund has been made available under Jal Jeevan Mission. The mission presents an excellent opportunity to mitigate the ongoing pandemic situation not just by ensuring water supply but also by generating employment to labour who have migrated back home. In this context, this supplementary advisory is issued by DDWS for assured safe water service delivery to every home with focus on various aspects. Arrange hand-washing equipment: Hand-washing arrangements with soap and water at the entrance of every water supply establishment may be made to allow everyone to practice it before entering and when leaving. Installation, supervision and regular refilling of the hand washing equipment are the overall responsibility of PHE/ RWS Department;

16. Steps taken by the government for creating an enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurship development
Friday July 23 2021 : Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing PradhanMantri YUVA (PM YUVA) Yojana, a pilot scheme, for creating an enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurship development through entrepreneurship education, training, advocacy and easy access to the entrepreneurship network in skill training institutes. The pilot is being implemented in ten States and two UTs including State of Uttarakhand. So far,around 60thousand candidates benefitted from this scheme including 3,836 candidates from the State of Uttarakhand. Further, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, an autonomous organization under this Ministry is also providing training, research and consultancy activities in Small and Micro Enterprises (SME), with special focus on entrepreneurship development. So far, around 2.5 lakh persons trained through more than 6700 programmes conducted by IIE. This information was given by the Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, ShriDharmendraPradhan in a written reply in the RajyaSabha today. Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1738147

17. Cabinet ratifies ban on seven chemicals that are hazardous to health & environment listed under Stockholm Convention.
Wednesday October 7 2020 : he Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today ratified ban of seven Persistent Organic Pollutants(POP’s) listed under Stockholm Convention. “With today’s decision India is sending out a positive message to the world that we are active in this area & we do not tolerate health & environmental hazard”, said the Union Environment Minister, Shri Prakash Javadekar at a press briefing in New Delhi. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and environment from POPs, which are identified chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio-accumulate in living organisms, adversely affect human health/ environment and have the property of long-range environmental transport (LRET). Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central & peripheral nervous systems, diseases of immune system, reproductive disorders and interference with normal infant and child development. POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm Convention after thorough scientific research, deliberations and negotiations among member countries. Considering its commitment towards providing safe environment and addressing human health risks, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 5, 2018 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The regulation inter alia prohibited the manufacture, trade, use, import and export seven chemicals namely (i) Chlordecone, (ii) Hexabromobiphenyl, (iii) Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Heptabromodiphenylether (Commercial octa-BDE), (iv) Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether (Commercial penta-BDE), (v) Pentachlorobenzene, (vi) Hexabromocyclododecane, and (vii) Hexachlorobutadiene, which were already listed as POPs under Stockholm Convention. The Cabinet's approval for ratification of POPs demonstrates India's commitment to meet its international obligations with regard to protection of environment and human health. It also indicates the resolve of the Government to take action on POPs by implementing control measures, develop and implement action plans for unintentionally produced chemicals, develop inventories of the chemicals' stockpiles and review as well as update its National Implementation Plan (NIP). The ratification process would enable India to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial resources in updating the NIP. The Cabinet further delegated its powers to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm Convention to Union Ministers of External Affairs (MEA) and Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MEFCC) in respect of POPs already regulated under the domestic regulations thereby streamlining the procedure. India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on January 13, 2006 as per Article 25(4), which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitl

18. UNDP Report Lauds Aspirational Districts Programme, Recommends Replication in Other Parts of the World
Friday June 11 2021 : In an independent appraisal report released today,United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India has lauded the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) as ‘a very successful model of local area development’that ‘should serve as a best practice for several other countries where regional disparities in development status persist for many reasons’.   The report said due to concerted efforts made under the ADP, previously neglected districts, including those in remote locations and those affected by Left Wing Extremism, ‘haveexperienced more growth and development in the last three years than ever before’. Notwithstanding some speedbumps in its journey, the APD ‘has been immensely successful in propelling development among the backward districts’.   The reportwas handed over today by UNDP India Resident Representative Shoko Noda to NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar and CEO Amitabh Kant. It captures the progress of the Aspirational Districts Programme and makes recommendations for further improvements. The report is based on quantitative analysis of publicly available data as well as interviews with various stakeholders, including district magistrates, central prabhari officers, district fellows and other development partners.   UNDP’s analysis across the 5 key sectors of the ADP—health and nutrition; education; agriculture and water resources; basic infrastructure; and skill development and financial inclusion—found that the programme has acted as a catalyst for expediting development in these districts. According to the report, while health and nutrition, education, and to a certain extent, agriculture and water resources, have registered massive improvements, the other indicators despite making significant strides offer scope for further strengthening.   A comparison between the Aspirational Districts and their counterparts foundthat ADs have outperformed non-ADs. Across the sectors of health and nutrition and financial inclusion, the report found that 9.6% more home deliveries are attended by a skilled birth attendant; 5.8% more pregnant women with severe anemia are treated; 4.8% more children diagnosed with diarrhoea are treated; 4.5% more pregnant women register for antenatal care within their first trimester; 406 and 847 more enrolments, and 1580 more accounts openedper 1 lakh population under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantra Suraksha Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, respectively. UNDP also recommends the ‘Malaria Mukt Bastar Abhiyaan’ in Bijapur and Dantewada, which has reduced malaria incidences in these districts by 71% and 54%, respectively, as one of the ‘best practices’ found in Aspirational Districts.   According to the report, the districts have also admitted that the continued focus of the programme on health andnutritionhas helped them in tackling the Covid crisis with greater resilience. For instance, ‘Malkangiri district in Odisha, which is located in close pr

19. India scales another peak: Total recoveries cross 2 million
Wednesday August 19 2020 : Fast on the heels of crossing 3 crore cumulative tests, India has recorded another high. Total number of recoveries has crossed 2 million today (20,37,870). Coupled with this is another achievement of highest ever single day recoveries of 60,091 in the last 24 hours. With this high number of COVID-19 patients recovering and being discharged from the hospitals and home isolation (in case of mild and moderate cases), the Recovery Rate has scaled the twin peak of crossing 73% (73.64%). This has also led to the declining Case Fatality Rate, which stands at a new low of 1.91% today. The record high recoveries have ensured that the actual caseload of the country viz. the active cases has reduced and currently comprises less than 1/4th (only 24.45%) of the total positive cases. Higher number of recoveries and declining fatality has shown that India's graded strategy has worked. India has posted 13,61,356 more recoveries than the active cases (6,76,514).     From the beginning of January 2020, Government of India assiduously followed a graded, pre-emptive and proactive response and management strategy for COVID-19 in the country. The focussed, collaborative and ‘whole of government’ approach has yielded success. Building on the continuum of care approach, the policy of TESTING aggressively, TRACKING comprehensively & TREATING efficiently is led by the Centre and implemented in conjunction with the State/UT governments. Focussed attention on effective surveillance and house-to-house contact tracing has led to early detection and identification of COVID-19 cases. The mild and moderate cases are treated under supervised home isolation. As per the standardized clinical management protocol based on the holistic Standard of Care approach, the critical and severe patients are hospitalised and provided the best medical care. Government of India along with efforts of the State/UT governments has ramped up the hospital care infrastructure across the country to ensure that medical care for different categories of positive cases is provided through the Dedicated COVID Care Centre (DCCC), Dedicated COVID Health Centre (DCHC) and Dedicated COVID Hospital (DCH). Their numbers has substantially increased too. Today there are 1667 DCH, 3455 DCHC and 11,597 DCCC. Cumulatively they provide 15,45,206 isolation beds, 2,03,959 Oxygen supported beds, and 53,040 ICU beds. The seamless and point–to-point medical management of the COVID-19 patients has been made possible through effective ambulance services with zero tolerance on refusal of care and service, and measures such as use of non-invasive oxygen combined with use of investigational therapies. AIIMS, New Delhi through its tele-consultation sessions has helped to build the clinical capacities of doctors in the States/ UTs. Through this unique initiative, specialist doctors from AIIMS, New Delhi provide expert guidance and know

20. Curriculum redesigning for NSNIS Diploma and strengthening faculty at NCSC among key decisions taken by SAI Academic Council
Thursday August 6 2020 : Sports coaching is one of the most important aspects of creating a strong sports ecosystem in the country. To further promote and strengthen sports coaching both at the grassroot and elite level, the 27th Academic Council of the Sports Authority of India has taken some key decisions in its recent council meeting. The decisions are aimed to promote sporting excellence by strengthening the already existing system at the National Centre for Sports Coaching (NCSC), as well as to provide new skills to coaches in line with the evolving needs of athletes. The key decisions taken by the council are as under: 1)         In keeping with the evolving structure of the global sports ecosystem and to ensure that Indian coaches are equipped to train athletes as per global standards, the syllabus structure and contents of the premiere course at NSNIS Patiala, Diploma course in Sports Coaching, have been revised after wide consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including the National Sporting Federations of the sporting disciplines.It has also been decided that in view of the Covid Pandemic the first semester of the Diploma course will be held online. 2)         An expert sub-committee has been formed to take steps towards strengthening the quality of the faculty at SAI's National Institute of Sports in Patiala, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Trivandrum. This expert committee will screen the existing faculty and recommend new and future faculty and guest teachers so that a pool of outstanding experts can be created and course trainees can benefit from the best faculty available in the country, especially in the new online teaching format that has been adopted recently.   3) Taking note of the present Covid-19 situation, a decision was taken to continue the six-week certificate course of the coaches education programme online for grassroot-level and developmental coaches.  Speaking about the decisions, Colonel

21. Prime Minister reviews Public Health Response to COVID-19 with the Nation Leading Doctors
Monday April 19 2021 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with doctors across the country via video conferencing on the COVID-19 issue and vaccination progress. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the doctors, medical and para-medical staff for their invaluable service towards the country during the coronavirus pandemic. PM Modi said, last year, during the same time, it was due to our doctors’ hard work and the nation’s strategy that we were able to control the coronavirus wave. Now that the country is facing the second wave of coronavirus, all the doctors, our frontline workers are confronting the pandemic with full force, and are saving the lives of millions of people. PM Modi said that recently the central government has taken many important decisions related to the supply of essential medicines, injections and sufficient availability of oxygen. State Governments have been given necessary guidelines about these. PM Modi said that vaccination is the biggest weapon in the fight against coronavirus. He urged the doctors to encourage more and more patients to get vaccinated. The Prime Minister urged the doctors to educate people against several rumours on Covid treatment & prevention. In these difficult times, PM Modi said, it is very important that people do not become a victim of panic. For this, PM Modi said, along with proper treatment, emphasis must also be on counselling of patients admitted in hospitals. PM Modi also encouraged doctors to use tele-medicine for treatment of other diseases, in case there is no emergency. The Prime Minister noted that this time the pandemic is spreading rapidly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well. PM Modi called for accelerating efforts to upgrade resources in such places. He urged doctors to connect with their colleagues working in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and give them online consultations to ensure that all protocols are followed correctly. The doctors shared their experiences in dealing with the Covid pandemic. They congratulated PM Modi on his leadership in dealing with the pandemic. They also spoke about how they augmenting healthcare infrastructure.  They reiterated the importance of people wearing a mask & maintaining social distancing. They also stressed about maintaining health infrastructure

22. Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot to Launch 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline (1800-599-0019) KIRAN On 7th September, 2020
Friday September 4 2020 : Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment will launch the “24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline “KIRAN” (1800-500-0019)” through virtual mode Webcast on 07th September 09, 2020 (Monday). This Helpline has been developed by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to provide relief and support to persons with Mental Illness. This assumes great significance in view of the growing incidence of Mental Illness, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic.  Secretary (DEPwD) and senior officers will be present on the occasion. This helpline will offer mental health rehabilitation services with the objective of early screening, first-aid, psychological support, distress management, mental well-being, promoting positive behaviors, psychological crisis management etc.  It will function as a lifeline to provide 1st stage advice, counseling and reference to individuals, families, NGOs, Parent Associations, Professional Associations, Rehabilitation Institutes, Hospitals or anyone in need of support across the country. The live webcast of the Helpline launch ceremony will be available at the link below:  https://webcast.gov.in/msje/

23. COVID-19 Projects Facilitated by Office of Principal Scientific Adviser: Extension of Hospitals
Monday June 14 2021 : As COVID-19 cases surged in different parts of the country, infrastructure in hospitals was under immense pressure.Innovative modular hospitals came as a huge relief amidst this.Modular hospitals are an extension of hospital infrastructure and can be built adjacent to an existing hospital building.Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India (O/o PSA, GoI)invited private sector companies, donor organizations, and individuals to support various projects of national importance. Project Extension Hospitals is one such initiative.TheO/o PSA identified requirements of close to 50 hospitals in states where the highest number of COVID-19 cases were reported. Modulus Housing, a start-up incubated at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) developed the MediCAB hospitals.This enables building a 100-bedded extension facility in 3-weeks’ time. MediCAB hospitals are designed with a dedicated zone of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) that can accommodate various life-support equipment and medical devices. These negative pressure portable hospitals have durability of around 25 years, and they can also be shifted in the future for any disaster response in less than a week. These rapidly deployable hospitals will plug a major health infrastructure gap in India’s fight against COVID-19, especially in rural areas and smaller towns. The O/o PSA has been actively working towards securing CSR support to implement these projects in different areas across the nation.   Modulus Housing has started deployingMediCAB extension hospitals with the help of the American Indian Foundation (AIF). Mastercard, Texas Instruments, Zscaler, PNB Housing, Goldman Sachs, Lenovo, and NASSCOM Foundation have also extended CSR support. The first batch of 100 bedded hospitals is being commissioned at Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh); Amravati, Pune, and Jalna (Maharastra); Mohali (Punjab), and a 20-bed hospital at Raipur (Chhattisgarh). Bengaluru (Karnataka) will have one each of 20-, 50-, and 100-beds in the first phase. The Office of PSA has also collaborated with Tata Projects Ltd to deploy modular hospitals at multiple sites in Punjab and Chhattisgarh. They have initiated work on 48 bedded modular hospitals in Gurdaspur and Faridkot (Punjab). Expansion of ICU at multiple hospitals in Chhattisgarh including Raipur, Jashpur, Bemetara, Kanker, and Gaurella are also underway.  For queries about this project write to industry-engagement@psa.gov.in Visit the page for more details on various COVID-19 projects: https://www.psa.gov.in/innovation-science-bharat

24. IIHMR University launches the first of its kind UGC NSQF Framework approved PG Diploma program in Health Entrepreneurship in India
Monday June 14 2021 : IIHMR University launches the first of its kind UGC NSQF Framework approved PG Diploma program in Health Entrepreneurship in India   An excellent choice for the Professionals who wish to learn and build their scalable health based business ventures   ·         Program duration- 1 Year (Full time Program with 70% Skills based Learning in 2 Semesters) ·         Commencement of Class- 9th August, 2021 ·         Last date of Submission of Application-25th July 2021 ·         Total Program Fee – 45000 in two installments ·         Eligibility- AnyRecognized Bachelors' degree from any Discipline ·         Experience – No Prior experience required. ·         Credits- 60 ·         Date of PI: 28th-29th July, 2021 ·         Career opportunities: With this course one can look for working with health-based startups or begin his/her startup journey in Telehealth & Telemedicine, Digital Therapeutics & New Business Models, Tech-led Innovations in Healthcare, mHealth, Dental Clinics, Wellness Clinics/Hospitals. The program focuses on curating new age health-based startups.   Jaipur, 14th June 2021. Dr. PR Sodani, President (Officiating), IIHMR University said, “IIHMR is inviting applications for Post Graduate Diploma in Health Entrepreneurship. This is first of its kind program approved By UGC under the NSQF framework. We have a niche in Health & Hospital Management with 36 years of legacy. We are very sure that participants will get benefitted out of this program and we will be able to create some innovative health startups for the country in the post pandemic era. It is a comprehensive program aims to help with strong support to graduating health start-ups at University’s Incubation centre post program. Our course curriculum has been carefully crafted which covers both the current trends and the future game changers in health and allied sector while contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the practice of entrepreneurship by supporting entrepreneurial creation and growth aspirations in key sectors, including healthcare, pharma, and development sectors. Dr. Sheenu Jain, Chair Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship & Program Coordinator said

25. Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot launches 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helplinekiran (1800-599-0019)
Monday September 7 2020 : The 24x7 Toll-Free Mental Health Rehabilitation Helpline “KIRAN” (1800-500-0019) was launched by ShriThaawarchandGehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowermentthrough virtual modeWebcast here today to provide relief and support to persons with Mental Illness. DEPwD, M/o Social Justice & Empowerment launched it in view of the growing incidence of Mental Illness, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic. Shri Gehlot also released the poster, brochure and resource book on theHelpline. He also witnessed the live demonstration of Helpline. Secretary, DEPwD Smt. Shakuntala D. Gamlin was present on the occasion. Shri Prabodh Seth, JS presented a detailed PPT on the Helpline.   Addressing on the occasion, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot said that the Kiran Helpline will offer mental health rehabilitation services with the objective of early screening, first-aid, psychological support, distress management, mental wellbeing, promoting positive behaviours, psychological crisis management etc. It aims at serving people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, pandemic induced psychological issues & mental health emergencies. It will function as a lifeline to provide 1st stage advice, counseling and reference in 13 languages to individuals, families, NGOs, Parent Associations, Professional Associations, Rehabilitation Institutes, Hospitals or anyone in need of support across the country. He hoped that this Helpline will be very useful for family members of persons with mental illnessalso. This Toll Free Helpline will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the Technical Coordination of BSNL. 25 Institutions including 8 National Institutes are involved in this Helpline.It is backed by 660 Clinical / Rehabilitation Psychologists and 668 Psychiatrists.The 13 languages covered in the Helpline are: Hindi, Assamese, Tamil, Marathi, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Bengali, Urdu and English. The Helpline operates in this way: Dial Toll- Free number 1800-599-0019 from any mobile or land line of any telecom network from any part of India. After welcome message, select language by pressing correct button; after the language selection, Select State/UT, you will get connected to the Helpline Centre of native or desired state, Mental health expert will help to resolve the issue or refer/connect to external help (Clinical Psychologist/Rehabilitation Psychologist/Psychiatrist). The objectives of the Helpline are Early Screening; First Aid; Psychological support; Distress management; Mental well-being; Preventing deviant behaviors; Psychological crisis management and Referral to mental health experts. This Helpline is dedicated to resolve mental health issues related to Anxiety; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Suicide;

26. PM hails passage of Labour reforms bills; says labour reforms will ensure well being of workers and boost economy
Wednesday September 23 2020 : The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has hailed the passage of Labour reforms bills by Parliament today.  In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said, “Long due and much awaited Labour reforms have been passed by Parliament. The reforms will ensure well-being of our industrious workers and give a boost to economic growth. They are also shining examples of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.'  The new Labour code universalises minimum wages & timely payment of wages and gives priority to occupational safety of the workers. The reforms will contribute to a better working environment, which will accelerate the pace of economic growth.  The Labour reforms will ensure ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ These are futuristic legislations to empower enterprises by reducing compliance, red-tapism and ‘Inspector Raj.’ The reforms also seek to harness the power of technology for the betterment of the workers and industry both.”  Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1658380

27. NDA Government has taken various initiatives to boost fertilizer Sector- Shri Gowda
Monday August 10 2020 : Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri DV Sadananda Gowda has said NDA Government has  taken various initiatives to boost fertilizer sector towards servicing farmers. Shri Gowda said that with a view to disseminate knowledge on optimum usage of fertilizer nutrients to sustain the agriculture productivity and to make farmers aware of new developments in the field of fertilizer usage, Department of Fertilizers, Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers Welfare and Department of Agricultural Research and Education jointly organized Fertilizer Application Awareness Programme for farmers . Shri Gowda further stated that in order to encourage research and innovation in fertilizer and fertilizer technology, CPSEs under Department of Fertilizers formed a separate think tank body called “Indian Council for Fertilizers and Fertilizer Technology Research (ICFFTR)”. The Council has been registered as society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 on 19th August 2019. The Council will undertake / promote R&D and research work in the area of fertilizer and fertilizer manufacturing technology, use of raw materials and innovation in products through partnership and collaboration with various research institutions, fertilizer industry and other stakeholders. So far, the General Council have held two meetings and the Executive Committee have held three meetings. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1644688

28. MoRTH notifies regulations for tyres, safety glass, external projections, etc under CMVR
Wednesday July 22 2020 : The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways vide GSR 457 (E) dated 20th July 2020, has made  following amendments in CMVR 1989 - The specification for the Tyre pressure monitoring system ( TPMS) for vehicles up to maximum mass of 3.5 Tonnes which monitors the inflation pressure of the tyre or its variation, while the vehicle is running and transmits the information to the driver, thereby providing advance information to the driver and enhancing road safety has been provided if fitted in the Vehicle. Tyre Repair Kit has been prescribed: During incident of tyre puncture (tubeless tyre), with the use of repair kit, the sealant poured into the tyre along with the air seals the punctured spot in the tyre tread. The requirement of the additional tyres has been done away with in such vehicles if provided with the Tyre repair kit and TPMS has been provided.  This is as per the international standards which will enable more space which may accommodate batteries for EVs etc. Inclusion of safety glazing conforming to standards has been presceibed as on option to safety glass . However the percentage of visual transmission of light for the front and rear windows (70%) and side windows (50%) shall be the same for the safety glass on the glass with safety glazing. At present, two wheeler stands are not regulated and do not have harmonised requirements for which AIS Standards have been prescribed. Further, no standard was available  for two wheeler External Projections requirements under CMVR which has now been prescribed to reduce lacerations to pedestrian as well as rider in case of contact with moving vehicle, standard prescribes that all the points of contact with the testing device shall have minimum prescribed radius or made up of soft material. Also standard is notified for two wheeler foot rest requirements. A  provision has been made to allow the pillion rider in the two wheeler, in case a light weight container is placed behind the pillion rider space, provided the

29. DRDO develops Ultra Swachh for disinfection of PPEs and other materials
Monday June 1 2020 : DRDO develops Ultra Swachh for disinfection of PPEs and other materials Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh to disinfect a wide range of materials, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), electronics items, fabrics, etc.   Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), the Delhi based laboratory of DRDO has developed this product with industry partner M/s Gel Craft Healthcare Private Ltd, Ghaziabad.   The system uses an advanced oxidative process comprising of multiple barrier disruption approach using Ozonated Space Technology for disinfection.  The system is double layered with specialised Ozone sealant technology assuring trapping of ozone for the necessary disinfection cycle. It also has catalytic converter to ensure environment friendly exhaust i.e. only oxygen and water.  The system is in compliance with International Standards of Industrial, Occupational, Personal and Environmental Safety. The Ultra Swachh comes in two variants namely Ozonated Space and Trinetra Technology. Trinetra technology is the combination of Ozonated space and radical dispenser. Treatment is optimised with automation for quick disinfection cycle.  The system operates on 15 Ampere, 220 Volts, 50 Hertz power supply. The system has been provided with various safety features such as emergency shutdown, door interlocks, dual door, delay cycle, and leak monitors, etc to ensure safe operations for longer duration. Dimensions of the Industrial Cabinet are 7’x4’x3.25’ to disinfect large quantity at a time. Cabinets of different sizes will be available for the industry.   

30. Railways to generate 8 lac mandays of employment opportunity for migrants and others in infrastructure projects worth Rs 1800 Crores in next 125 days till 31st October, 2020 .
Wednesday June 24 2020 : Railways to generate 8 lac mandays of employment opportunity for migrants and others in infrastructure projects worth Rs 1800 Crores in next 125 days till 31st October, 2020 . Ministry of Railways today i.e. 24th June 2020 reviewed the progress of Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan with Zonal Railways and Railway PSUs through video conference meeting. Inaugurated by Hon'ble PM on 20th June, Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan is in operation in 116 identified districts of six states i.e., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa & Jharkhand. Chairman Railway Board, Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav today took a video conference meeting with General Managers (GMs) and Divisional Railway Mangers (DRMs) and Managing Directors (MDs) of PSUs regarding the progress of Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan . Addressing the meeting, Shri Yadav instructed Zonal Railways to appoint nodal officers in each district as well as in the States so that a close coordination is established with the State Government. Shri Yadav directed Railway administration at Zonal level to act proactively to ensure migrants’ are engaged in projects and paid accordingly. Zonal railways have been instructed to expedite execution of all ongoing infrastructure works in these identified districts. Around 160 works infrastructure works have been identified which are to be expedited. These would engage thousands of workers and roughly generate 8 lakh man days of employment  by the end of October 2020. Approx. Rs 1800 crore would be spent in these districts. Railway has also identified no. of railway works which can be executed through MGNREGS. The works are related to (i) construction and maintenance of approach roads for level crossings, (ii) development & cleaning of silted waterways, trenches and drains along the track, (iii) construction and maintenance of approach road to railway stations, (iv) repair and widening of existing railway embankments / cuttings, (v) plantation of trees at extreme boundary of railway land and (vi) protection works of existing embankments/ cuttings/bridges. Zonal Railways have also been instructed to get sanction of proposed works under MGNREGS. Zonal Railways would be monitoring the works on daily basis and submit report to Ministry every Friday till end of Oct 2020. It may be noted that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched a massive employment -cum- rural public works campaign named Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan to empower and provide livelihood opportunities in areas/ villages witnessing large number of returnee migrant workers affected by the devastating COVID-19 on 20th June 2020. The Prime Minister announced that an amount of Rs 50,000 Crores would be spent for building durable rural infrastructure under the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan. This Abhiyaan of 125 days, will work in mission mode, will involve focused implementation of 25 categories of works/ activities in 116 districts, each with a large concentration of returnee migrant workers in 6 states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha. Pub

31. Government of India and AIIB sign agreement for $500 million to improve the network capacity, service quality and safety of the suburban railway system in Mumbai
Monday August 24 2020 : The Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) today signed a loan agreement for a $500 million Mumbai Urban Transport Project-III to improve the network capacity, service quality and safety of the suburban railway system in Mumbai.     The Project is expected to increase network capacity in the region with the reduction in journey time and fatal accidents of commuters. It is estimated that among primary beneficiaries of the project, 22% are female passengers who will benefit from improved safety and quality of service.   The loan agreement was signed by Shri Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Chief Secretary on behalf of the Government of Maharashtra, Shri R. S. Khurana, Chief Managing Director on behalf of the Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation and Shri Rajat Misra, Director General (Acting), Investment Operations on behalf of the AIIB.   Shri Khare said that this project will assist in improved mobility, service quality and safety of passengers of the sub urban railway system of Mumbai, by providing faster, more reliable and higher quality transport services compared to road-based transport. There will be direct safety benefits to passengers and the public through introduction of trespass control measures.   With a population of 22.8 million (2011), Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is the most populous metropolitan region in India and is expected to reach 29.3 million by 2031 and 32.1 million by 2041. This population growth represents the core driver behind Mumbai’s urban expansion, compelling the state of Maharashtra to prioritize sound urban and infrastructure planning which balances economic activities, mobility as well as the optimization of environmental and social outcomes.   Around 86 per cent of Mumbai commuters rely on public transport. However, supply has not kept pace with rising travel demand. The Mumbai suburban railway network, which carries three quarters of all motorized travel (78 per cent of passenger km or eight million passengers per day) increasing at three per cent annually, suffers from some of the most severe overcrowding in the world. User experience is further compromised by low amenity of carriages, substandard stations and station access, and serious safety concerns. Between 2002-2012, there were more than 36,152 fatalities (on average, 9.9 fatalities per day) and 36,688 injuries on the Mumbai suburban railway network. A key reason for accidents and deaths is trespassing at or between stations as well as overcrowding of both stations and train cars. AIIB Vice President D.J. Pandian said that this project represents another major step in supporting our member countries in their eff

32. Government to launch e-Shram portal – National Database on Unorganized Workers (NDUW), on 26th of August.
Tuesday August 24 2021 : Unveiling the logo for the E-Shram portal , Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri Bhupender Yadav today said that that targeted identification of the unorganized workers was a much needed step and the portal which will be the national database of our nation builders, our ‘Shram Yogis’, will help take welfare schemes to their doorstep, who are the builders of our Nation.     Speaking at an event in New Delhi which was attended by all major Central trade union leaders, the Minister informed the gathering that the portal will be launched on Thursday i.e 26th of August. “Targeted delivery and last mile delivery, has been a major focus of the schemes of government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the National Database of Unorganised workers(E-Shram portal) is another key step towards that”, and will be a game changer for the social security of Millions of Unorganised Workers said the Labour Minister. The meeting was also joined by Shri Rameswar Teli, Minister of State for Labour and Employment from Dibrugarh,Assam via video conferencing who said that the launch of the portal will be a major milestone for the unorganized workers, the domestic workers, the construction workers,the migrant workers, Gig & Platform workers etc. and will ensure that welfare schemes reach the right beneficiary at the right time across the length and breadth of the country.   The meeting also saw a marathon and extensive discussion with the Central trade Union leaders from BMS, INTUC, AITUC, HMS ,CITU,AIUTUC,TUCC,SEWA, AICCTU and NFITU-DHN.   All trade Union leaders extended their full support for the successful launch and implementation of the e-shram portal and the Union Minister thanked the union leaders for their valuable and constructive suggestions and emphasised that they have a key role towards speedier registration, implementation at field level and taking the portal to the unorganized workers. The Minister also presented them a portrait of the tableau of the labour Ministry which dawned the Rajpath on India’s 72nd republic Day. The art which is a celebration of all-round well-being and security of the workers portrays the transformation that will come into the life of organised and unorganised workers after the implementation of the recent labour codes.

33. IMC 2020, Day 2: The Virtual Event presented interesting sessions on Sustainable, Secure and Inclusive tech; 5G, AI and Next Gen innovation wave, smart devices of the future, among others
Wednesday December 9 2020 : The second day of the India Mobile Congress 2020 commenced amidst much fanfare, drawing on from the echoing success of Day One, which had an inaugural address by none other than Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Day 2 kick started with a premier Telco's CEO Conclave on the topic - “Prioritizing Technology to Generate Sustainable Value.” There were seven other plenary sessions, including, 5G Use Cases + IoT - Innovation for the Super Generation of Mobile Technology; AI on the Edge - The Next Wave of AI Innovation; Skilling for India - New Age Skills for Inclusive and Sustainable Careers;  Smart Devices, Redefining Devices for the future- *In association with MediaTek - Bringing 5G to Everyone; Security & Data Privacy Ethics - Trust, Test and Assure - a Multi-pronged Approach; 5G Regulations: Light Touch Regulation *In association with USIBC - Finding the Right Balance; 5G Broadcasting - From Fallow to High-throughput: Opportunities for India to Leverage ATSC 3.0 Technology *In association with Sinclair. The second day of India’s largest digital technology event and the biggest international tech conference in South Asia, witnessed an overwhelming participation from global industry behemoths deliberating on subjects such as, international best practices in the realm of digital transformation, burgeoning exponential technologies, dire need of viable regulatory frameworks, smart devices and a smarter world, cyber-security, environmentally sustainable, inclusive futuristic technology, etc. The overarching theme of IMC 2020 is: Inclusive Innovation: Smart, secure, sustainable’. This day key speakers included Mr. Ajit Pai, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission and Dr. PD Vaghela (IAS), Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Shri Ajay Prakash Sawhney (IAS), Secretary (Electronics & Information Technology), Government of India (MeitY) and Hon'ble Mr. Victor Fedeli , Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade , Government of Ontario , Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur; Brendan Carr, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission, Mr. Shashi Shekhar Vempati, CEO, Prasar Bharti,  Ms. Monica Desai, Director Public Policy, Facebook; Mr. Rob Weisbord, President – Broadcast, Sinclair, Mr. Nunzio Mirtillo, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania & India, Ericsson; Mr. Bruce McClelland, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ribbon Communications and Ms. Marjet Andriesse, President and Chief Executive Officer, Red Hat Nunzio Mirtillo , Head of Ericsson South east Asia , Oceania and India , “We are convinced that high-speed mobile connectivity like 5G will be instrumental in providing a stable platform for innovation and economic growth, and especially  when we factor in the big potential of digitalizing industry verticals . Based on 5G Business potential study for India, the business opportunity of leveraging 5G to digitalize industries for Indian operators stands at 17 Bn $ by 2030 , with Manufacturing, Healthcare and Energy and Utilities expected to be the Top 3 con

34. 3131Metric Tonnes of Liquid Medical oxygen supplied by Steel plants; Steel plants willing to dip into their safety stock to make available more LMO; Nitrogen and argon tankers being converted to carry oxygen
Monday April 26 2021 : Steel Plants in Public & Private Sector  supplied 3131.84 Metric Tonnes of Liquid Medical oxygen (LMO) to various states on the 25th April 2021,ascompared to 2894 tonnes dispatched on the previous day.A week earlier, on an average 1500/1700 Metric tonnes /Day was being dispatched. The production on 25th April was 3468.6 MT. Steel plants have been able to enhance the supply of LMOby taking various initiatives, which include reduction in the production of Nitrogen and Argon and only producing LMO in most plants. The steel plants are normally required to keep 3.5 days of safety stock of LMO in their storage tanks which is vaporized and used in case some problem develops in the oxygen plants. Through continuous engagement with the steel producers, the safety stock has been reduced to 0.5 days instead of the earlier 3.5 days because of which LMO supply had significantly increased. To facilitate the faster movement of LMO, It has been directed by DPIIT that certain number of nitrogen and argon tankers be converted to carry oxygen. As on date, there are 765 nitrogen tankers with a capacity of 8345 MT and 434 argon tankers with a capacity of 7642 MT. Permission for converting portion of them for carrying oxygen has been issued by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization(PESO). This will remove a major bottleneck in transportation of LMO to states. As on date, 1172 tankers are available for LMO, with the capacity 15900 MT. Bhilai Steel Plant is taking a very short shut down to enhance their liquid oxygen production by 15MT.  This shut down will not come in the way of dispatches.Similar directions have been given to other Central Public Sector Enterprises-owned  steel plants to explore the possibility of enhancing their capacity. Sources https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1714148

35. Lockdown4.0 - States/UTs cannot dilute restrictions imposed in MHA guidelines, can only make them stricter based on local level assessment and Health Ministry Guidelines: MHA
Monday May 18 2020 : Lockdown4.0 - States/UTs cannot dilute restrictions imposed in MHA guidelines, can only make them stricter based on local level assessment and Health Ministry Guidelines: MHA   Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), on 17.05.2020, issued the revised guidelines regarding lockdown restrictions, to contain COVID-19. As the lockdown was extended up to 31.05.2020, widespread relaxations were given in the restrictions.   Under the new guidelines effective from today, States and UTs would now delineate the Red Orange and Green zones, taking into consideration the revised guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 17.05.2020. Inside the red/orange zones, containment and buffer zones would be identified by the local authorities, based on local level technical inputs and Health Ministry guidelines.   Within containment zones, strict perimeter would be maintained as earlier and only essential activities would be allowed. Limited activities would continue to be prohibited throughout the country. All other activities would be permitted except the ones that are specifically prohibited under MHA guidelines.   In view of these points, MHA has reiterated to the States/UTs that despite widespread relaxations given in lockdown restrictions under revised guidelines, States/UTs cannot dilute the restrictions imposed in MHA guidelines. They may prohibit certain other activities or impose restrictions, as deemed necessary on the basis of ground level analysis of the situation.   Further, it has been communicated that States/UTs must take into consideration the benchmarks/thresholds indicated in the revised guidelines issued by MoHFW, while delineating zones at local level. It has also been urged to give wide publicity to the Centre and respective State guidelines at local level for the convenience of the public.   Click here to see the Official communication to States/UTs

36. DGCA Undertakes Special Safety Audit of all Scheduled Airlines in India
Thursday September 17 2020 : The DGCA is carrying out special safety audit of all the scheduled airlines in the country. For the Airports, spot inspections at 13 licensed airports have been carried out during the monsoon season by the DGCA. Regulatory audit of scheduled airlines is carried out every two years as per the Manual of Regulatory Audit. However based on the findings during surveillances, spot checks, complaints, voluntary report and severity of occurrence, risk based audits are carried out in the form of special audits. During previous safety audits, DGCA had identified certain deficiencies. These were circulated to the airline operators for taking corrective measures. The deficiencies found include inter-alia: Delay in taking corrective action in case of outcome of the Flight Operation Quality Assurance (FOQA) exceedance data.  Non-reporting of the incidents/occurrences by the airlines. The Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) of the airlines were not adequately staffed with technically qualified personnel. Few of the procedures in practice were not in compliance with manufacturer's recommended procedures. Non-compliance to workplace manuals, documented procedures and documentation.   The Action Taken Report has been submitted by each of the organizations. These were reviewed for effective compliance. The latest surveillances and audits have shown improvement in areas which include compliance of procedures, workplace manual, documentation etc. This information was given in a written reply by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State, I/C, Civil Aviation, in Lok Sabha today. Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1655674

37. Steps to Revive Aviation Industry amid Covid-19 Pandemic
Thursday September 17 2020 : All efforts have been made to reduce the impact of the pandemic on the aviation sector. Some of the measures taken to support the aviation sector include inter-alia:        1.    Due to COVID-19 pandemic, domestic air services have been restarted in a calibrated manner. Initially only one third (33%) of the summer schedule 2020 was allowed to be operated which was subsequently increased to 45% on 26 Jun 2020 and then to 60% on 02 Sep 2020.        2.    Operation of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (UdeDeshKaAamNagrik) flights were allowed without the above-mentioned restrictions.        3.    Exclusive air-links or Air Bubbles have been established with countries which include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, Qatar, Maldives, UAE, UK and USA.  These are temporary arrangements aimed at restarting international passenger services while regular international flights remain suspended due to COVID-19.        4.    Promoted private investments in existing and new Airports through the PPP route.        5.    Adequate care taken to ensure that cargo terminals at all major airports were operational, whenever required.        6.    GST rate reduced to 5% for domestic Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.        7.    Encouraging Indian carriers to increase their share in International air cargo traffic.        8.    Route rationalisation in the Indian airspace in coordination with Indian Air Force for efficient airspace management, shorter routes and reduced fuel burn. This information was given in a written reply by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (I/C) Civil Aviation, in Lok Sabha today. Sources https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1655672

38. Union Health Ministry issues updated clinical management protocol for managing COVID-19 cases
Sunday June 28 2020 : Union Health Ministry issues updated clinical management protocol for managing COVID-19 cases Keeping pace with evolving knowledge about COVID-19, especially in terms of effective drugs, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has today released an updated clinical management protocol for managing COVID-19 cases. The updated protocol includes the advice to use Dexamethasone as an alternative choice to Methylprednisolone for managing moderate to severe cases of COVID-19. The change has been made after considering the latest available evidence and expert consultation. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid drug used in a wide range of conditions for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects. The drug has been tested in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the RECOVERY clinical trial and was found to have benefits for critically ill patients and has been shown to reduce mortality by about one third for patients on ventilators, and by about one fifth for patients being maintained on oxygen therapy. The drug is also a part of the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and is widely available. The Union Health Secretary, Ms Preeti Sudan has forwarded the updated protocol with all States/UTs to make necessary arrangements for availability and use of the updated protocol and drug Dexamethasone at the institutional level also. The guidance document has also been made available online on the website of the Health Ministry at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/ClinicalManagementProtocolforCOVID19dated27062020.pdf The last update to the clinical management protocol was done on 13th June, 2020.  

39. Shuttler N Sikki Reddy and physiotherapist Kiran C test Covid positive in Hyderabad
Thursday August 13 2020 : Shuttler N Sikki Reddy and physiotherapist Kiran C, who arrived at the National badminton camp at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, have tested Covid postive. This came to light after they took SAI's mandatory Covid test that is given to all players, coaches and support staff on arrival. Both Sikki and Kiran are aysmptomatic. Both are locals of Hyderabad and have been attending the camps from their homes. Meanwhile, the academy has been closed down for sanitisation. All primary contacts of Sikki and Kiran have been traced and are being given the RT PCR test again. Speaking from Hyderabad, chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand said, "SAI's mandatory covid test was given to all athletes, coaches, support staff and administrative staff at the badminton national camp, and two campers have tested positive for Covid 19. All necessary precautions as per protocol are being taken so that players can come back for training safely and as soon as possible." https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1645618

40. President approves 84 Gallantry Awards and other decorations to personnel of Armed and Paramilitary Forces
Friday August 14 2020 : President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has approved 84 awards and decorations to the Armed Forces personnel and members of the Paramilitary Forces. The awards include one Kirti Chakra, nine Shaurya Chakras, five Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 60 Sena Medals (Gallantry), four Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)and five Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). The President has also approved 19 Mention-in-Despatches to the Army Personnel for their significant contributions in different military operations which include eight posthumous for ‘Operation Meghdoot’ and ‘Operation Rakshak’.   LIST OF AWARDS TO THE ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL AND MEMBERS OF PARAMILITARY FORCES   S. No. RANK AND NAME SERVICE   KIRTI CHAKRA   SHRI ABDUL RASHID KALAS, HEAD CONSTABLE, JAMMU AND KASHMIR POLICE (POSTHUMOUSLY) MHA   SHAURYA CHAKRA   IC-68482Y LIEUTENANT COLONEL KRISHAN SINGH RAWAT, SENA MEDAL FIRST BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT (SPECIAL FORCES) ARMY   IC-73334X MAJOR ANIL URS 4TH BATTALION THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY ARMY   3003914X HAVILDAR ALOK KUMAR DUBEY THE RAJPUT REGIMENT, 44TH BATTALION THE RASHTRIYA RIFLES ARMY   WING COMMANDER VISHAK NAIR (28993) FLYING (PILOT) AIR FORCE   SHRI AMIT KUMAR, DEPU

41. Mother Dairy Reaffirms Its Commitment Towards Environment Safety
Friday June 4 2021 : Mother Dairy Reaffirms Its Commitment Towards Environment Safety ~Recycles/Co-processed 3,233 MT of Post-Consumer Plastic Waste Till March 2021 in Maharashtra~  ·         The Company has collectively recycled 2,685 MT of Single Layered Plastic (SLP) Waste and 548 MT of Multi-Layered Plastic (MLP) Waste from June 2018 to March 2021 in the regions of Mumbai, Thane & Nagpur. ·         Mother Dairy is 1st amongst the dairy companies to implement 100% Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Maharashtra.  Mumbai 04th June 2021: A day before World Environment Day, 2021, Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd. (MDFVPL), country’s leading milk and milk products major, reiterated its commitment towards a cleaner environment; and announced that is has co-processed/recycled 3,233 MT of post-consumer used plastic waste till March 2021 in the state of Maharashtra. The overall volume includes both Multi-Layered Plastic (MLP) and Single Layered Plastic (SLP) Waste. Mother Dairy started its plastic waste collection and recycling/co-processing initiative in Maharashtra in June 2018 by rolling out the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme. The Company gradually replicated it across 25 other states of its operations. In Maharashtra, Mother Dairy has been closely working with leading Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) for implementation of the EPR programme in the regions of Mumbai, Thane & Nagpur. Collection and Recycling / Co-processing of Single Layered Plastic & Multi-Layered Plastic Waste Region EPR Implementation Nature of Plastic Waste Quantity (till March 2021) Maharashtra* June 2018 Single Layered Plastic 2685 MT Multi-Layered Plastic 548 MT *Mumbai, Thane & Nagpur Elaborating on the initiative, Mr. Manish Bandlish, Managing Director, Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd. said, “MDFVPL is a responsible organization and we feel it’s our duty to contribute towards a cleaner environment as well as to create aw

42. Union Government has taken unprecedented measures for labour welfare and employment generation across India during Covid-19 pandemic : Shri Gangwar
Thursday September 17 2020 : Union Labour and Employment Minister has said today that  “a number of unprecedented steps have been taken by the Union Government for labour welfare and employment  including for migrant workers across India during COVID-19 pandemic. Elaborating it he said : ➢ Labour is in the concurrent list and therefore, both State and Central Governments can legislate on the issues.  Further, most of the Central Labour Acts including the Migrant Labour Act is being implemented exclusively by the State Government. ➢ As per the provisions of the Migrant Labour Act, the registration of the migrant workers is to be done by the respective State Governments and the data has to be maintained by the State Governments.  However, in the unprecedented scenario of COVID-19, Ministry of Labour & Employment took the initiatives to collect the data of migrant workers who are going to their Home States during lockdown.  On the basis of information collected from various State Governments, around one crore migrant workers have gone back to their source State during COVID-19.  Labour Minister further added that Various initiatives taken for the welfare of Migrant Workers during lockdown. ➢ Immediately after the lockdown, directions were sent from Ministry of Labour & Employment to all the State Governments/UTs instructing them to provide financial assistance to construction workers from Building & Other Construction Workers’ Cess Fund.  It is estimated that the highest proportion of migrant workers are construction workers.  Till date, about two crore migrant workers have been provided Rs. 5000.00 crores directly in their bank accounts from Building & Other Construction Workers’ Cess Fund being maintained by various States. ➢ In order to resolve the grievances of migrant workers during lockdown, Ministry of Labour & Employment had set up 20 Control Rooms all over the country.  During lockdown, more than 15000 complaints of the workers were resolved through these Control Rooms and due to the intervention of Ministry of Labour & Employment more than two lakh workers were paid their due wages amounting to about Rs. 295 crores. ➢ After the lockdown, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana with a financial package of Rs. 1.7 lakh crore was launched to help poor, needy and unorganised sector workers of the country.  Under this package, 80.00 crore people have been provided 5 Kg. Wheat/Rice and 1 Kg. pulses.  Free of cost food grains will now be provided upto November, 2020 to all the beneficiaries.  Aim of the Government is to ensure that no one is without food during this pandemic and challenging time. ➢ Per day wages under MGNAREGA have been enhanced from Rs. 182 to Rs. 202. ➢ Government has also announced the measures to strengthen Infrastructure Logistics, Capacity Building, Governance and Administrative Reforms for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Processing Sectors.

43. Thoughtful & Proactive steps by FM: ICC
Tuesday June 29 2021 : Thoughtful & Proactive steps by FM: ICC Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) highly appreciates the new announcements today by Hon’ble Finance Minister to provide respite to the pandemic struck economy, liquidity starved sectors. ICC compliments the thoughtful gesture by FM to zero-in on areas which were most harshly hit and currently going through difficult phases. This timely intervention will definitely provide a boost to sectors like Health, Micro finance, Tourism, Fertilizer, Export, Digital Connectivity, Electronics, Power Distribution etc. Ministry’s decision to revive tourism sector of the country through providing financial support to more than 11000 registered tourist guides and other tourism stakeholders. We think this decision was long due. Providing free tourist visa to 5 lakh tourist is also a commendable initiative. ICC also appreciates Ministry’s decision to revive North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) through provision of a revival package of Rs. 77.45 Crore for financial restructuring and infusion of funds. The target plan to give 10-15% higher price to farmers in North East by-passing middlemen can be a game changer. As the nodal Chamber of North East, ICC highly acclaims this decision. We have also found that the announcement regarding initiating a ‘New Streamlined Process’ for PPP Projects and Asset Monetisation to ensure speedy clearance of projects to facilitate private sector can be instrumental in the revival process. Overall, ICC welcomes the announcements made by the Finance Minister for introducing the recovery process with a positive vibe. Vikash Agarwal, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) About ICC Founded in 1925, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the leading and only National Chamber of Commerce having headquarter in Kolkata, and one of the most pro-active and forward-looking Chambers in the country today. Its membership spans some of the most prominent and major industrial groups in India.

44. Continuous action is being taken to control locust swarms - Control operations undertaken in 2,83,929 hectares area in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Bihar from 11th April 2020 till 9th July 2020
Sunday July 12 2020 : As per the instructions of Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, continuous action is being taken to control locust swarms. Starting from 11th April, 2020 till 9th July, 2020, control operations have been done in 1,51,269 hectares area in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana by Locust Circle Offices (LCOs). Till 9th July, 2020, control operations have also been done in 1,32,660 hectares area in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra,  Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Bihar by State Governments. In the intervening night of 9th-10th  July, 2020, control operations were carried out at 16 places in 8 districts viz. Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and Karauli of Rajasthan, 2 places in Bhuj district of Gujarat and at 1 place each in Auraiya and Etawah districts of Uttar Pradesh  by LCOs. Besides this, respective State Agriculture Department/s also carried out control operations at 1 place in Alwar district in Rajasthan; and at 1 place each in Auraiya and Etawah districts of Uttar Pradesh the intervening night of 9th-10th July, 2020 against small groups and scattered population of locusts. Presently 60 control teams with spray vehicles are deputed /deployed in State of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and more than 200 Central Government personnel are engaged in locust control operations. In addition, 20 spray equipments have now been received. To strengthen the control capacity, supply order was issued for procurement of 55 additional vehicles and out of which 33 were already delivered earlier. The remaining 22 vehicles have also been now received. Further, 5 companies with 15 drones are deployed at Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Nagaur and Phalodi in Rajasthan for effective control of locusts on tall trees and in inaccessible areas through spraying of pesticides. Aerial spraying capacity has been strengthened for anti-locust operations.  A Bell helicopter has been deployed in Rajasthan for use in Scheduled Desert Area as per the need. The Bell helicopter conducted anti-locust spraying aerial spraying operation in Bhopalgarh and Shekhala area of Jodhpur. Indian Air Force also has conducted trials in anti-locust operation by using a Mi-17 helicopter. The results are encouraging.                           Swarms of immature pink locusts and adult yellow locusts are active in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and Karauli of Rajasthan; Bhuj district of Gujarat and Auraiya and Etawah districts of Uttar Pradesh. LWO Control Operation at Garha Kasda village in Etawah, UP Locust mortality at Mortality at village Iradunu in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan New Micron

45. Human Resource training and strengthening the health infrastructure through quality are key aspects– IIHMR University
Wednesday March 3 2021 : Human Resource training and strengthening the health infrastructure through quality are key aspects– IIHMR UniversityHuman Resource training and strengthening the health infrastructure through quality are key aspects– IIHMR University   IIHMR University launches a Certificate Program in collaboration with the American Society For Quality on Executive Lean Six Sigma Green Belt   Jaipur 1st March 2021: IIHMR University in collaboration with the American Society For Quality which is a 75-year-old organisation announced the launch of the Executive Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate Program. The programme will be jointly conducted by IIHMR University and the American Society For Quality (ASQ). The programme will teach the Lean Six Sigma approach that shall be customised for healthcare professionals across India with an understanding of Statistics and Quality. The programmes aim is to sensitize towards quality improvement in the health sector. This programme will begin its first phase from 11th -13th March 2021 and 18th – 20th March 2021. The second phase shall begin from 1st – 3rd April, 2021 & from 8th – 10th April, 2021.   Dr. PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University, “IIHMR University and ASQ will have an impact on the quality of patient care in the Indian context in both Government and Private Sector. Training programmes will be organised jointly with a prime focus on people working in the health sector which could be Doctors, Nurses, Administrative Staff of the hospitals etc. The Government of India has an intent to offer quality healthcare services, to achieve these goals and NHP goals, IIHMR University will be embracing these and would bring in programmes that reflect these aspects.”   Dr. Sodani, further added, “Quality has been the central point not just for providers but also the client. The client expects good quality services from the health service providers at an affordable rate. Our focus will be to offer client-centric services at better quality and design services that reduce out of pocket expenditures. The most important objective of this collaboration between IIHMR University and ASQ will be milestone, as we will be closely working with the Government and shall try to improve the ongoing processes to offer the best results.”   Mr. Anindya Sarangi, Country Head ASQ India & South Asia, said, “We are starting with the collaboration with The Executive Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate Program that shall clarify the concepts and theories on quality improvement which will be coupled with e

46. NSNIS Patiala and CSS-SRIHER launche courses in sports physiotherapy, sports nutrition to strengthen grassroot-level sports ecosystem
Monday August 3 2020 : With an effort to ensure that knowledge of sports science is applied to train athletes even at the grassroot level, NSNIS Patiala has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CSS-SRIHER, Chennai (Deemed to be University), to jointly conduct six- month certificate courses in sports science subjects. The course aims to give an opportunity to young qualified professionals working in the field of  sports science to further specialise in their area of expertise. In the first leg, Sports Physiotherapy and Sports Nutrition courses are being launched online, with admission to the courses starting on 3rd August 2020. These courses are aimed at training professionals who can work along with community coaches and development-level coaches to use sports science in grassroot-level training. The eligibility criteria to appear for the written entrance exam for the Sports Physiotherapy course is a Masters in Physiotherapy (Ortho/Sport). Those who have a Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy with three years of work experience in a sports institute, sports team or club, can also apply.  For the Sports Nutrition course, those eligible to take the entrance exam, must have a Masters in any of the streams including, foods and nutrition, applied nutrition, public health nutrition, clinical nutrition and dietetics, food science and quality control or sports nutrition. Those with a Bachelor’s degree in any of the above mentioned streams, but with three years of relevant work experience in a recognised sports institute, club or state or national-level team can also take the entrance exam.  The six-month course to be taught online, will include in its curriculum all important aspects of sports physiotherapy and sports nutrition. A two-week physical workshop will also be held as part of the course, and will be organised post Covid. Assessment of attendees for final certification will be done on the basis of online quizzes and written exams. Speaking about the importance of including sports science in the sports education of grassroot-level coaches, Senior Executive Director (Academics) of Sports Authority of IndiaColonel RS Bishnoisaid, "The new courses in Sports Science are aimed to strengthen the grassroot-level sports ecosystem by imparting training in a more scientific way. After completion of these courses, these professionals will be equipped to work alongside community coaches and developmental coaches at the grassroot-level and provide better training to junior athletes. In the second phase SAI will also introduce courses in exercise physiology, sports biomechanics, strength and conditioning, sports psychology."

47. MoRTH asks NIC to ensure capturing FASTag details before new vehicle registration and while issuing fitness certificates for national permit vehicles
Sunday July 12 2020 : The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided to ensure capturing of FASTag details while registering or issuing fitness certificate to vehicles all over the country. In a letter addressed to NIC, with copies to all the States and UTs, the Ministry has informed that full integration of National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) with VAHAN portal has been achieved, and the same has gone live with API on 14th May last. The VAHAN system is now getting all information on FASTags through VIN/VRN. As such, the Ministry has asked to ensure capturing FASTag details while registering new vehicles, as also while issuing fitness certificates to vehicles plying under national permit. The fitment of FASTag in new vehicles at the time of sales of vehicles of category M and N, was made mandatory in 2017.  But the integration with bank account or they being activated was being avoided by citizens, which would be checked now. Fitment of FASTag is  to ensure that vehicles crossing the National Highway fee plazas use electronic medium of FASTag payment, and cash payment is avoided. This usage and promotion of FASTag will also be effective to minimising possibilities of spreading COVID at NH Toll Plazas. The Ministry had issued a Gazette notification in November 2017, on this scheme. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1638107

48. Historic Interventions made by the Central Government to Ensure Timely Payments to MSMEs
Wednesday September 2 2020 : To help the MSMEs in this long standing problem, Government of India has taken a series of measures recently. Union Finance Minister, as part of AtmaNirbhar Bharat package, had announced that Government entities should make such payments within 45 days. The Ministry of MSME followed up this announcement vigorously and took up the matter with the Central Ministries and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and State Governments. Particularly very active follow up has been done with the Heads of CPSEs.  Some more interventions are worth mentioning: To make the reporting easy, regular and seamless, a dedicated online reporting format has been made for reporting the monthly payments and monthly pendency. As reported, more than Rs. 6800 crores have been paid by the Ministries and CPSEs in the last three months alone. It is coming out that almost three fourth of the monthly dues have been paid during the same month by most of the Central Ministries and CPSEs.  The pending amounts are expected to be in the normal course of business and below 45 days; Active follow up is being done with the State Governments for payment and regular reports.  Similar online reporting system has been devised and put in place for the States’ reporting also; Another intervention is that the Department of Expenditure has issued an OM to the effect that the buyer organization will have to pay penal interest of 1% per month for delayed payment beyond prescribed timeline till the date of such payment; In yet another landmark intervention, on request of Ministry of MSME, Government in Finance Ministry has waived the charges for on-boarding the TReDS platforms. This platform has been designed for bill discounting of the MSMEs against such supplies where payments are awaited. It is to be noted that earlier MSMEs were supposed to pay on-boarding charge of Rs. 10,000/- to the concerned exchanges who are part of the TReDS mechanism. Government has now waived the on-boarding charges for the MSMEs till March, 2021.  Most of the CPSEs and a number of private companies are already on-board the TReDS mechanism. MSME Ministry has requested the also to do so;  

49. Shramik Trains: Indian Railways deny charging any fare from workers
Wednesday May 6 2020 : On the issue of charging of train fare, the Health Ministry official said that permission has been given to run special trains for movement of stranded people, based on request of State governments. He said the Central Government has not ever talked of charging train fare for workers. He said, 85 per cent  of fare is  borne by Indian Railways and 15 per cent by  the respective State government. The Railways is not selling any tickets to migrants and is only boarding passengers based on lists provided by States," said sources from the Ministry of Railways. The Railways is running Shramik special trains keeping berths empty in each coach to maintain social distancing, the trains are returning empty from destinations under lock and key. Free food and bottled water is also being provided to the migrants by railways. The special trains are being run to transport migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places in the country due to lockdown. The countrywide COVID-19 lockdown, which was scheduled to end on May 3, has been extended by another two weeks till May 17. The Ministry of Railways had said in a statement that in continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19, it has been decided that the cancellation of all passenger train services on Indian Railways shall be extended till May 17.

50. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan takes charge as chairman of WHO Executive Board
Saturday May 23 2020 : Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan today took over as the chairman of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board.   Addressing the board through tele conference, Dr. Harshvardhan said that he is entering this office at a time of global crisis on account of this pandemic. He mentioned that there will be many health challenges in the next 2 decades and urged a shared response from countries.   Highlighting India's efforts in tackling COVID-19, he said that country faced COVID19 in a proactive and pre-emptive way, with unmatched scale and determination.