(Contains Press releases concerning Covid-19, issued in last 24 hours and  Fact checks undertaken by PIB)

Updates on COVID-19 from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

As of now, 2902 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 68 deaths have been reported. 183 persons have been cured/discharged from the hospitals after recovery. 1023 cases have been linked to TablighiJamaat across 17 States. It has been observed that most of the deaths are being reported from elderly people or people having co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney/ cardiac issues etc.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1611137

PM chairs meeting of Empowered Groups

Prime Minister has reviewed countrywide preparedness regarding availability of hospitals, proper isolation and quarantine facilities as well as disease surveillance, testing and critical care training and also directed the concerned groups and officials to ensure sufficient production, procurement and availability of all essential medical equipment such as PPEs, masks, gloves and ventilators.https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1611007

Adequate arrangements and protocols in place to handle grid stability during lights out event on 5th April at 9:00 PM

The Prime Minister has appealed to the people to voluntarily switch off their lights between 9:00 p.m. to 9:09 p.m. on the 5th of April. Some apprehensions have been expressed that this may cause instability in the grid and fluctuation in voltage which may harm the electrical appliances. These apprehensions are misplaced.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1611020

MHA clarifies on ground level issues being faced by States in ensuring smooth flow of supply chain of Essential Items during National Lockdown

States advised to inform District authorities and field agencies regarding the Clarifications so as to avoid any ambiguity at the ground level

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610872

MHA issues an Addendum to exempt Shops of Agricultural machinery, spare parts & repair; Truck repair shops and Tea industry from Lockdown Restrictions

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610862

MHA writes to States to ensure Smooth Harvesting and Sowing Operations, while maintaining Social Distancing, during 21-day Lockdown to fight COVID-19

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610759

CBDT issues orders u/s 119 of IT Act,1961 to mitigate hardships to taxpayers arising out of compliance of TDS/TCS provisions

Due to outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is severe disruption in the normal working of almost all sectors. To mitigate the hardships of taxpayers, the CBDT has issued directions/clarifications by exercise of its power u/s 119 of the Income-tax Act, 1961. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1611042

Dr. Harsh Vardhan visits LNJP Hospital to take stock of preparedness to overcome COVID-19; LNJP to function as dedicated COVID-19 hospital

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1611039

Home Ministry approves release of Rs 11,092 crores under State Disaster Risk Management Fund

Following the assurance given by Prime Minister, ShriNarendraModi during his video conference meeting with the Chief Ministers, Home Minister, ShriAmit Shah has approved the release of Rs 11,092 crores under the State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF), to all States.https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610756

Telephone conversation between Prime Minister and PM of Israel

Prime Minister had a telephone conversation with His Excellency Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel.The two leaders discussed the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the response strategies adopted by their respective Governments to the health crisis. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610826

ECI further defers RajyaSabha poll in view of COVID-19;Fresh date to be announced laterhttps://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610801

Steps being taken for smooth harvesting of Rabi Crop and sowing of summer crop

For ensuring that the farmers do not suffer from any adverse fall out during the lockdown period, Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare is taking several measures for smooth harvesting of Rabi Crop and sowing of summer crop.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610809

Manual on Home Made Masks to prevent COVID-19

Click here to see PDF of Manual on Home Made Masks to prevent COVID-19

Mask production initiated in wake of COVID-19 Pandemic under NRLM

Face mask production has been initiated by Self Help Groups (SHGs) members in 24 States covering 399 Districts of the country under the Ministry of Rural Development’s National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610981

CSIR-IMTECH takes up sample testing for Covid-19

CSIR-IMTECH is also supporting healthcare professionals by providing Personal Protection Equipment. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610953

Indian Railways ensures supply chain fully functional for power, transport and key infrastructure sectors during the COVID-19 lockdown

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1611048

Domestic cargo flights strengthen India’s fight against Covid-19

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610990

Ministry of Tourism holds a virtual conference with the Industry associations of Tourism and Hospitality sector; https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1611063

HRD Minister interacts with heads, teachers and students of several universities, colleges and schools across the country on COVID- 19

ShriNishank expresses gratitude to all the teachers and students for playing an active role in the war against COVID-19. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610814

MHRD AICTE COVID-19 Student Helpline Portal launched

In view of the outbreak of COVID19 and National lockdown, some students have been facing difficulties due to closure of colleges and hostels. In order to provide help and support to such students, AICTE has come out with a uniqueMHRD AICTE COVID-19 Student Helpline Portaltoaddress the issues.URL is https://helpline.aicte-india.org

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610781

Shipping Minister holds video conference with the stakeholders of Ports to deal with COVID-19 situation;  https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610772

Goa Naval Area Extends Support to those In Need

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610807

IAF Continues Its Support Towards Fight Against Coronavirus

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610800

Hack the Crisis – India, an Online Hackathon to find working solutions for overcoming COVID 19 pandemic launched

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1610780

DST funded startup develops chemical free silver based disinfectant to fight COVID 19 pandemichttps://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1611066

National Innovation Foundation – India invites innovative citizens to participate in its Challenge Covid-19 Competition https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1611069

Fact Check on #Covid19

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YKB