COVID-19 NEWS
(1.) India has one of lowest cases, deaths per million
population due to COVID-19 :- Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan today said, India has one of the lowest cases and deaths per million population due to COVID19. He said, our recovery rate now stands at 63.45 per cent and
the mortality is at 2.3 per cent. Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Health Minister’s digital meet, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, India didn’t have a single manufacturer of Personal Protective Equipment and now the country has developed indigenous capacity within few months. He said, the country can now export quality PPEs. He said, similar scaling up
was also done for achieving other indigenous capacity and reducing the demand and supply gap for ventilators and medical oxygen. The Minister also highlighted the innovative use of information technology in COVID-19 management. He said, Aarogya Setu app and ITIHAS app has been used for surveillance and identification of potential clusters of disease. He said, RTPCR app for testing, facility app for managing information on admitted patients and hospital bed capacities all integrated with a single COVID portal.
(2.) India, Israel jointly develop ultra rapid testing kit for COVID-19; results within 30 second :- – India and Israel have jointly developed an ultra rapid testing kit for COVID-19. The testing kit which has proven it’s efficacy in lab results will now be subjected to broader trials. Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, Professor K Vijay Raghavan informed that Indian DRDO scientists along with Defence Research Wing of Israel have been conjointly working on the COVID testing kit. Professor Vijay Raghavan said the rapid testing kit can generate preliminary COVID results within 30 seconds.
NATIONAL NEWS
(1.) Govt issues guidelines regarding celebration of Independence Day on 15th August amidst COVID-19 :- Government has issued detailed guidelines regarding celebration of Independence Day on 15th August amidst COVID-19. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed that the Independence Day celebrations should be held in a way befitting the occasion. However, in its clear direction to the States, District and Panchayat authorities, MHA has instructed not to allow large congregations keeping in mind mandatory physical distancing norms. It said, digital technology should be used to maximise people participation. Following the precautionary steps as suggested by the Home Ministry Guidelines, Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort this year, will consist of the Prime Minister’s speech, Guard of honour, unfurling of national flag,
national anthem and release of tricolour balloons. The guidelines also suggest inviting COVID warriors such as doctors, health workers, sanitation workers as a recognition of their service in fight against the pandemic.
(2.) President flags off Red Cross Relief Material for people hit by flood & COVID-19 in Assam, Bihar, UP :- President Ram Nath Kovind flagged off nine trucks of Red Cross Relief Material, today for people affected by flood and COVID19 in the States of Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The relief materials will be further carried by trains to concerned states. The relief supplies include tarpaulins, saris, dhotis, cotton blankets, kitchen set, bed sheets, surgical masks, PPE kits and gloves. Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, who is also the Chairman of Indian Red Cross Society, was also present on the occasion.
(3.) Ministry of Shipping to waive waterway usage charges with immediate effect :- Ministry of Shipping has decided to waive waterway usage charges with immediate effect considering the Center’s vision to promote inland waterways as a supplementary, eco-friendly and cheaper mode of transport. The charges are waived initially for three years. Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that currently only two per cent of total cargo traffic moves through waterways. He said, decision of
waiving waterway charges will attract the industries to use the national waterways for their logistical needs. He added that as the mode of transport is eco-friendly and cheaper, it will not only reduce the burden on other transport modes but also promote the ease of doing business.
(4.) CBI conducts searches at Noida, Delhi related to bank cheating case:- The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today conducted searches at two place in Noida and one place in Delhi related to a bank cheating case.
CBI has registered a case on a complaint from Bank of Baroda, New Delhi against M/s Sidhdata Ispat Pvt. Ltd., M/s Govardhan Industries Pvt. Ltd., M/s Shri Sidhdata Steel Tubes, M/s Sudershan Tubes and others including private persons. It was alleged in the complaint that the accused cheated Bank of Baroda to the tune of 190 crore rupees (excluding interest) by way of availing various credit facilities, on the basis of submitting fake documents to the bank. The company also diverted the funds fraudulently for the purpose other than for which the same were sanctioned.
STATE NEWS
(1.) President Kovind appoints Anandiben Patel the Governor of MP: – President Ram Nath Kovind today appointed Smt. Anandiben Patel the Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Presently, she is the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. She has been given the additional charge of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh after the demise of Lal Ji Tandon.
(2.) Ashok Gehlot meets Governor, calls for immediate convening of Assembly session: – In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met Governor Kalraj Mishra this afternoon along with supporting MLAs and demanded immediate convening of the State Assembly session. While addressing the MLAs, Governor Kalraj Mishra said that he has to take legal
opinion in view of the current situation prevailing in the state. Interacting with the media outside Raj Bhavan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that if the Governor allows the session to be convened, he will prove the majority there. He said that they are waiting for the Governor’s letter, after which they will decide further course of action. Later, Congress leader Randeep
Surjewala addressed a press conference outside Raj Bhawan. He said that the Governor has raised some points and Cabinet will take adequate decisions on it. He informed that the Chief Minister has called a Cabinet meeting tonight at 9.30 P.M. After the meeting a reply will be sent to the Governor by tonight or tomorrow morning.
(3.) NHRC issues notice to UP govt over reported selfimmolation by a mother, daughter in Lucknow :- National Human Rights Commission, NHRC has issued notice to Uttar Pradesh Government over reported self- immolation by a mother an a daughter in Lucknow alleging inaction on their complaint of sexual harassment. Reportedly, the mother with 90 per cent burn injuries died and the daughter with 15 burns is undergoing treatment in the civil hospital. Taking suo motu cognizance of the media report, the Commission issued notices to Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh calling for a detailed report in the matter including action taken against the guilty and the action taken on the complaint reportedly lodged by the victims. The Commission has given four weeks to them to respond. It said, the report must include the status of the medical treatment being provided to the injured woman, her health conditions and any relief given by the authorities to the injured and the aggrieved family
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
(1.) Corona-virus protein redesigned in lab, may enable faster & stable vaccine production :– Scientists have redesigned a key protein from the novel corona-virus which it uses to enter and infect human cells, an innovation that may lead to much faster and more stable production of vaccines against COVID-19. According to the researchers, including those from the University of Texas at Austin in the US, most COVID-19 vaccine candidates train the human immune system to recognise a key protein on the surface of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 called the spike (S) protein to fight infection. In the current study, published in the journal Science, the
scientists designed a new version of this protein which can be produced up to 10 times more in cells than that of an earlier synthetic S protein already in use in multiple COVID-19 vaccines. Depending on the type of vaccine, this improved version of the protein could reduce the size of each dose or speed
up vaccine production.
(2.) WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan says, 24 vaccine candidates in human clinical trial stage, 150 vaccines in pre-clinical stages worldwide :– Chief Scientist in World Health Organization Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has said that 24 vaccine candidates are in the human
clinical trial stage and 150 vaccines are in the pre-clinical stages worldwide. She said, WHO has robust pipeline of potential COVID vaccine candidates and the more vaccine candidates will maximise the opportunities. Dr. Swaminathan said, three vaccine candidates are in the Phase-3 trial stage which are Oxford vaccine developed by Astrazeneca, mRNA-1273 by Moderna and the chinease vaccine. She said, vaccine development is lengthy and complex process which takes time, but harmonization at different level will fasten the process. She said, the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is very important in the vaccine development process.
(3.) 17th meeting of working mechanism for consultation, co-ordination on India-China Border Affairs held today :- The 17th meeting of the working mechanism for consultation and co-ordination on India-China
Border Affairs was held today. Both India and China reviewed the situation in the border areas and the ongoing disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector. The two sides agreed that early and complete disengagement of the troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and de-escalation from the border areas in accordance with
the bilateral agreement and protocols was necessary for smooth bilateral relations. Both the countries also agreed that full restoration of peace and tranquility was essential for smooth overall development of the bilateral relation.
(4.) India, ASEAN will play a lead role in Post-COVID World Economic Recovery: Dr Jitendra Singh :– Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that India and ASEAN will play a lead role in the Post-COVID World Economic Recovery. He said, the future
belongs to them due to common traits of grit, courage and determination to scale newer heights. He was delivering the keynote address on Cross-border Conversations with entrepreneurs from ASEAN organized by India ASEAN Women’s Business Forum and FICCI. Dr. Singh said, due to close business and cultural ties between India and ASEAN, the region will take a lead in the economic recovery in the post-Corona era. The Minister said that North
Eastern Region has a special role to play in the promotion of trade and business relations with ASEAN as it is the gateway to the growing economies of South East Asian Nations.
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
(1.) Banks, financial institutions working to reduce financial stress due to COVID-19 :- Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das has asked banks to
desist from extreme risk aversion during COVID-19 pandemic. In his foreword to the bi-annual Financial Stability Report, Das said, the top priority right now for banks and financial intermediaries should be for augmenting capital levels and to improve resilience. Mr. Das said, the country’s financial system is sound but the need of the hour is to remain extremely watchful and focussed. He said governments, central banks and other public agencies across countries have made coordinated efforts to alleviate financial stress and build confidence among businesses, investors and consumers.
SPORTS
- IPL likely to held in UAE from Sept 19 onwards: –
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to be held in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19 onwards.
This was disclosed by IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel in an interview
to a news agency today.
Mr. Patel also said that it is likely to be a 51-day calender for the
cricket tournament.
However, he added that it is subject to the decision of the BCCI
Governing Council and the approval of Government of India.
- Commonwealth Secretary General lauded Fit India
Movement: – Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia
Scotland has lauded the Fit India Movement of India as a unique
initiative to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fit India
Movement was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last
year.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju virtually
attended the Ministerial Forum of Commonwealth countries to
share India’s road on resumption of sporting events and also to
contribute to the creation of a collaborative sports policy in the
post COVID-19 pandemic era. Speaking at the global forum,
which saw participation from all Commonwealth countries, Mr
Rijiju said, the Fit India Movement launched last year, has been
very useful in fighting the pandemic since building fitness and
immunity is crucial during these Covid times. He said, India has
successfully created awareness about the importance of staying fit
through a series of dedicated online programmes for citizens on
fitness and well-being, all through the pandemic. He said, as
members of Commonwealth nations, there is a need to stand in
solidarity on all issues especially in the present time.
OBITUARY
- Eminent dancer Amala Shankar passes away: –
Eminent dancer and choreographer Amala Shankar passed away
in Kolkata Friday morning. She was 101.
Shankar, who had been suffering from age-related ailments, died
of cardiac arrest in her sleep, according to her family.
Shankar is the wife of legendary dancer-choreographer Uday
Shankar and sister-in-law of sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar.
CORPORATE AFFAIRS AS ON 24th
JULY 2020
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Central Government had issued notification regarding
Implementation of Quality Control Order for SPV Systems,
Components Goods and Devices Order 2017
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution
Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 in exercise of
the powers conferred by sub clause of sub section 1 of section
101 of the Consumer Protection Act
Source :- CLICK HERE
Ministry of Communications
India Post, Mumbai launches distinctive waterproof Rakhee
envelopes
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Payroll Reporting in India – A Formal Employment
Perspective
Source :- CLICK HERE
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Shri Arjun Munda inaugurates e-Symposium “Emergent
North-East India: Strategic and Developmental Imperatives in
Handicrafts” organized by IIM, Shillong
SEBI – PRESS RELEASE/CIRCULARS
- eClerx Services Limited – Public Announcement (Buyback).
Source :-
Source :- CLICK HERE
2. Tanla Solutions Limited – Post Buyback Public
Announcement.
Source :- CLICK HERE
3. Recording of all types of Encumbrances in Depository
system.
Source :- CLICK HERE
4. Relaxations relating to procedural matters – Issues and
Listing.
Source :- CLICK HERE
RBI – PRESS RELEASE/CIRCULARS
- RBI releases the Financial Stability Report, July 2020
Source: – CLICK HERE
2. RBI releases ‘Report of the Committee for Analysis of QR
Code’ for public comments. :-
Source: CLICK HERE
Thanks for Reading Current Affairs and Corporate Affairs as on 23rd July 2020
Compiled By : CS Surbhi Saxena
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