New Delhi: With increase of 1383 new Coronavirus cases and about 50 deaths in last 24 hours, the situation looks more grim than earlier.
ICMR has forwarded a protocol for using Rapid Anitbody test to all states. The Centre today also promulgated an Ordinance making the attack on healthcare workers a criminal offence with no-bail clause.
Among other important developments in the day, Home Minister gave a personal assurance to the doctors about their safety while saluting their selfless service to society. Ministry of Railways also came forward to supply 2.6 lakh meals daily from various Railway kitchens wherever the district administration is willing and able to pick up cooked meals and distribute among the needy.
A look at Coronavirus snippets:
Few more exemptions in Lockdown
Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an order to exempt certain activities under the consolidated revised guidelines.Relaxations under the above mentioned items would not be applicable to Hotspots/containment zones. These activities would not be permitted in these zones. In-house Care-givers of Senior Citizens, Prepaid mobile recharge utilities, Food processing units in urban areas exempt from Lockdown Restrictions
Home Minister interacts with doctors, assures them of security
The Home Minister appreciated the role of doctors in general and particularly in the fight against Coronavirus and expressed confidence that doctors would continue to work dedicatedly in this fight, as they have been doing till now. He saluted the sacrifices made by doctors to keep the people safe from deadly diseases like COVID-19.
Rs 15,000 crore Emergency Response package
Union Cabinet has approved significant investments to the tune of Rs. 15,000 crore for ‘India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package’. The funds sanctioned will be utilized in 3 Phases and for immediate COVID-19 Emergency Response (an amount of Rs. 7,774 Crore) has been provisioned and rest for medium-term support (1-4 years) to be provided under mission mode approach.
PM expresses gratitude to Mother Earth
Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi has expressed gratitude to Mother Earth on International Earth Day.“On International Day of Mother Earth, we all express gratitude to our planet for the abundance of care & compassion. Let us pledge to work towards a cleaner, healthier & more prosperous planet. A shout out to all those working at the forefront to defeat COVID-19”, the PM said.
Indian Railways announces slew of Incentives for Freight Traffic
No Haulage Charge for movement of empty containers and empty flat wagons from 24.03.2020 till 30.04.2020. More Customers can register their demands and also receive Railway Receipt for goods electronically instead of having to visit the goods sheds physically.In case customer does not avail electronic Receipt, they can take delivery of goods without submitting Railway Invoice at destination point by using alternate procedure.Minimum number of BCNHL required to be loaded in order to avail train load rates has been reduced from 57 to 42 wagons now.The distance related conditions governing mini rake, two point rakeetc have been relaxed to encourage industry.
Railways offers to supply 2.6 lakh meals daily from its kitchens
Ministry of Railways has offered to supply 2.6 lakh meals daily from various Railway kitchens wherever the district administration is willing and able to pick up cooked meals and distribute among the needy. The offer of 2.6 lacs meals/ day is based on the kitchen capacities of the earmarked initial locations. If the need arises, more such locations can be ramped up to boost the supply. These meals will be available at just cost basis at Rs 15/ meal.
EPFO Settles 10.02 Lakh Claims Including 6.06 Lakh COVID-19 Claims
This involve disbursal of a total amount of Rs. 3600.85 Crore which includes Rs. 1954 crore COVID claims under PMGKY package.Despite only one-third staff being able to work due to lockdown, 90% of COVID-19 claims have been settled in 3 working days, setting new standards of service delivery through special software designed for speedy disposal.
Skill India provides list of 900 certified plumbers
Taking cognizance of the need for essential services like plumbing during the on-going COVID 19 crisis, the Indian Plumbing Skills Council, under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has prepared a database of over 900 plumbers who are ready to provide their services during the lockdown period, across the country. The IPSC has also requested its affiliated training partners to conduct distribution drives of food and essential supplies to the needy and extended necessary support in the preparation and distribution activities.
Steps taken by North DMC to safeguard staff during pandemic
In these testing times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Delhi Municipal Corporationhas taken a series of comprehensive steps to ensure full safety and all possible protection for its staff.The North DMC has established a docking station outside every containment zone.Every staff member whether from sanitation, engineering, public health or any department starts their duty from these docking stations. They report here and are provided with suitable PPE Kits.
Fact-Checking 5 false rumours:
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