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

India registers a Record of Highest Single day recoveries, More than 1 lakh patients recovered in the last 24 hours

In an unprecedented surge, India has recorded the highest number of single day recoveries. More than 1 lakh (1,01,468) new recoveries have been registered in the last 24 hours in the country. In another landmark achievement, the trend of very high number of single day recoveries has sustained for the past four consecutive days. With this, the total number of recoveries are nearly 45 lakh (44,97,867). This has resulted in the Recovery Rate touching 80.86%. 79% of the new recovered cases are being reported from ten States/UTs, viz. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Delhi, Kerala, West Bengal and Punjab. Maharashtra continues to lead with more than 32,000 (31.5%) new recovered patients. Andhra Pradesh contributed more than 10,000 to the single day recoveries. India’s landmark achievement of recording the maximum   number of recoveries has positioned it as the top country globally. Case Fatality Rate (CFR) currently stands at 1.59%.

For details:

Prime Minister to Review Status and Preparedness of COVID response and management in 7 High Focus States/UTs tomorrow

Prime Minister will chair a high level virtual meeting with the Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of seven COVID high burden States/UT to review the status and preparedness of COVID response and management, tomorrow, 23^rd September 2020.These States/UT are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Punjab.More than 63% of the Active Cases of the country are concentrated in these seven States/ UT. They also account for 65.5% of the total confirmed cases and 77% of the total deaths. Along with the other five States, Punjab and Delhi have reported an increase in the number of cases being reported recently. Maharashtra, Punjab and Delhi are reporting high mortality with more than 2.0% Case Fatality Rate (CFR). Other than Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, their positivity rate is observed to be above the national average of 8.52%.The Centre has been leading the fight against COVID in the country in effective collaboration and close coordination with the State/UT governments.

For details:

Prime Minister to interact with fitness enthusiasts from across the country

In a unique initiative, Prime Minister Shri.NarendraModi will interact with fitness influencers and citizens during a nation-wide online Fit India Dialogue which is being organized to celebrate the first anniversary of the Fit India Movement on September 24, 2020. The online interaction will see participants sharing anecdotes and tips of their own fitness journey while drawing out guidance from the Prime Minister on his thoughts about fitness and good health. Among those who will participate range from ViratKohli to MilindSoman to RujutaDiwekar in addition to other fitness influencers. In times of Covid-19, fitness has become an even more important aspect of life. This dialogue will see a timely and fruitful conversation on nutrition, wellness and various other aspects on fitness.

For details:

PM addresses the convocation of IIT, Guwahati

Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi addressed the convocation of IIT, Guwahati through video-conferencing today. Quoting the saying ज्ञानम्विज्ञानसहितम्यत् ज्ञात्वामोक्ष्यसेअशुभात्।the Prime Minister elaborated that all the knowledge including science is a means to solve the problems. He was proud of the way institutions like IITs are advancing today and said this energy for innovation to serve has kept our country alive for thousands of years. Prime Minister urged the youth to be future ready and future fit, saying it is their dreams and aspirations which shape the future of India. He expressed happiness that IIT Guwahati has already started making efforts towards this direction. Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the institute in contributing towards making the country self-reliant in spite of the difficulty in conducting academic sessions and continuing research work, during this pandemic.

For details:

Text of PM’s address at the Convocation of IIT, Guwahati

For details:

PM addresses United Nations General Assembly

Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi addressed the United Nations General Assembly today through video conferencing.Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said seventy-five years ago an institution was created for the entire world for the first time in human history and a new hope arose from the horrors of war. He added being a founding signatory of the UN Charter, India was part of that noble vision which reflected India’s own philosophy of ‘VasudhaivaKutumbakam’ - which sees all creation as a family.The Prime Minister said without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence and today’s challenges cannot be fought with outdated structures. He added that for today’s interconnected world, we need a reformed multilateralism: that reflects today’s realities; gives voice to all stakeholders; addresses contemporary challenges; and focuses on human welfare. India looks forward to working with all other nations towards this end.

For details:

UGC Guidelines on Academic Calendar for the First Year of Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Students of the Universities for the Session 2020-21 in View of COVID-19 Pandemic

The Union Minister for Education Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ today announced the University Grants Commission Guidelines on Academic Calendar for the First Year of Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Students of the Universities for the Session 2020-21 in View of COVID-19 Pandemic. The Commission at its meeting held on 21 September 2020 approved the UGC Guidelines on Academic Calendar for the First Year of Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Students of the Universities for the Session 2020-21 taking into account the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. The admissions to the first year programmes for the session 2020-21 will completed by the end of October 2020. The last date for admissions to fill up the remaining vacant seats shall be 30 November 2020. The Academic Session 2020-21 may commence from 01 November, 2020 for first year students.

For details:

Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi Crops for marketing season 2021-22

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi has approved the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all mandated Rabi crops for marketing season 2021-22. This increase in MSP is in line with the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission. In view of nutritional requirements and changing dietary pattern and to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds production, the Government has fixed relatively higher MSP for these crops.Despite global COVID-19 pandemic and consequent nationwide lockdown, timely intervention made by Government has led to an all-time record procurement of wheat at about 39 million tonnes for RMS 2020-21.

For details:

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Textile Industry

Textile sector is highly unorganized sector. The government has initiated special measures to help ameliorate the conditions in textile sector due to Covid pandemic and to boost production, marketing and job opportunities in the sector. The government has conducted a study viz. ‘Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on Indian silk industry’ to ascertain the crisis caused to the sector. The industry has faced various problems of production, cocoon and raw silk prices, transportation problem, non-availability of skilled workers, sale of raw silk and silk products, working capital and cash flow, reduced export/import orders, besides restrictions. In order to make the textile sector competitive by rebating all taxes/levies in international market, the Government has decided to continue the RoSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies) scheme until such time the RoSCTL scheme is merged with Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme. Further, in order to boost exports in MMF sector, Government has removed anti-dumping duty on PTA (Purified Terephtallic Acid), a key raw material for the manufacture of MMF fibre and yarn. The Government of India has also announced a special economic package viz. AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan for boosting economy of the country and making India self-reliant. Relief and credit support measures have been announced for various sectors. The weavers & artisans can avail benefits of these relief and credit support measures to revive their businesses which have suffered due to lock down necessitated by Covid-19 pandemic.

For details:

Social Security for AWWs, Women and Children during Pandemic

In view of the special circumstances prevailing in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the life cover for Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) /Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) in the age group of 51-59 years (closed group as on 01.06.2017) has been increased from Rs.30,000/- to Rs.2,00,000/-.Although above Social Security Insurance Schemes for Anganwadi Workers/ Helpers have now been transitioned to full premium payment regime with effect from 1st April, 2020. Ministry has requested DFS, Ministry of Finance to reinstate the previous convergence of Insurance Schemes of PMJJBY/PMSBY/AKBY/FCI, etcupto 31st May, 2021.During COVID-19, State Governments and UT Administrations were advised to provide Food Security Allowance (FSA) to all eligible children till such time their schools are closed due to aforesaid pandemic. The modalities for this purpose may be decided by the respective States and UTs, suitable to the prevailing circumstances. States and UTs were further advised that all the precautionary measures to face the situation arising out of COVID-19 should be followed.

For details:

Conducting elections amid a pandemic - Democracies share valuable insights at ECI webinar

Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Sunil Arora,underscored the commitment of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) across the world, for the conduct of timely, free, fair and participatory elections to foster democracy in the world. Speaking at the conclusion of the International Webinar on "Issues, Challenges and Protocols for Conducting Elections during COVID-19: Sharing Country Experiences" yesterday, Shri Arora highlighted the common threads that emerged from the event. CEC emphasized that  the webinar brings out clearly the importance of training the officials involved with the conduct of elections. Election Commissioner, Shri Sushil Chandra emphasized that in the shadow of COVID-19, elections have not only to be free and fair, but also ensure safety for the electors as well as polling officials and security personnel on duty. He said that presentations from various countries show comprehensive preparedness required before, during and after elections. The ultimate concern is to ensure that voters feel safe while voting in covid times.

For details:

Increase in Domestic Violence against Women

From the beginning of lockdown due to Covid 19 pandemic, the National Commission for Women (NCW) launched an Ad campaign through electronic media and social media inviting women who have suffered any kind of violence to come forward and report it. Further, in addition to handling complaints received through regular modes, NCW has also launched a WhatsApp number 7217735372 on 10.04.2020 for reporting domestic violence cases. The additional modes provided by NCW facilitated reporting of cases, including from women who had been experiencing violence at home for past several years. The complaints received by NCW are acted upon by coordinating with victims, police and other authorities to provide necessary assistance.‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Maintenance of law and order, protection of life and property of citizens including prevention of domestic violence against women is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Nevertheless, giving high priority to safety of women, the Central Government has also taken a number of initiatives in this regard during the last six months.This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. SmritiZubinIrani in RajyaSabha today.

For details:

There was smooth functioning of RTI during COVID-19

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that during COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Information Commission had taken steps to facilitate hearing of second Appeals/Complaints through audio/video facilities by intensive use of technology. In a written reply in RajyaSabha today, he said that as far as Central Information Commission is concerned, a total number of 4491 online requests have been processed since March, 2020 to 17.09.2020.

For details:

INPUTS FROM PIB FIELD OFFICES

• Chandigarh: The Administrator, UT Chandigarh directed Secretary Education to ensure that Government of India’s guidelines are strictly followed, when students of Class IX & X are coming to school campus with permission of their parents for special classes. He also advised the teachers to get themselves medically tested for covid regularly.
• Punjab:The Punjab Government has decided to make physical education related activities compulsory for school children. This decision will be implemented   after reopening of school following Covid-19.  These physical activities will help the students to be physically fit as well as increase their flexibility and strengthen their muscles. This will also increase the tolerance, focus and physical balance of the students. They will also develop a sense of leadership by physical activities.
• Arunachal Pradesh: In Arunachal Pradesh, 210 new Covid -19 positive cases detected. Out of these, Itanagar Capital Region registered 101 positive cases in the last twenty four hours.
• Assam: In Assam during the last 24 hours 1795 COVID-19 patients discharged after recovery. The total number of COVID-19 cases reached to 159320 in state. Out of them 129130 are discharged and 29609 cases are active.
• Manipur: In Manipur 116 new Covid19 positive cases detected that takes the state tally to 9010. With 76 percent recovery rate, there are 2113 active cases.Two patient expired due to Covid19 complications taking the death toll in Manipur to 59.
• Meghalaya: In Meghalaya the total active COVID-19 cases reached to 2169. Out of them 355 are from BSF and Armed Forces. Total recovered cases in the state are 2527.
• Mizoram: 107 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Mizoram yesterday. Total cases reached to 1692 out of them 680 are active cases.
• Nagaland: In Nagaland out of the total COVID-19 positive cases, 2614 are from armed forces and police, 1448 are returnees, 1154 are traced contacts & 326 are frontline workers. In view of detection of new COVID cases, Kohima district administration has sealed several houses in High School area, Lerie Colony, Lower AG & T Khel.
• Kerala: As per latest reports, the Test Positivity Rate of Kerala has reached 9.1%, surpassing the national average of 8.7%. State Social Security Mission Director Dr.MuhammedAsheel has stated TPR is to peak by October-November end. He also pointed out that the death per million is still low in the state.  One more Covid death has been reported in the state today from Kochi, taking the toll to 554. As Covid cases are surging in the capital, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has intensified its drive in ensuring compliance of Covid protocols by shops, hotels and other establishments. 2,910 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Kerala yesterday. At present, there are 39,285 patients undergoing treatment and a total of 2,18,907 persons are under observation across the state.
• Tamil Nadu:State economy to revive to pre-Covid-19 period in two months, says Former RBI Governor C Rangarajan who headed the panel, which submitted a 250-page report to TN Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Monday. 50,212 violations of Covid-19 norms recorded in last two weeks; Rs 1.06 crore in fines imposed across the State, says Health Secretary. State reported 5,344 Covid-19 cases, 60 deaths yesterday; 31 per cent of cases reported on Monday are from the State’s western districts, including Coimbatore.
• Karnataka:As per Covid war room data, Karnataka’s recovery rate stands at 80.35 per cent as of Monday - the highest it’s ever reached. Udupi, Vijayapura, Bidar, Gadag, Bagalkote and Ramanagara have the best recovery rates in the state. Asha workers under Karnataka RajyaSamyukthaAshaKaryakartharaSangha, affiliated to the All India United Trade Union Centre, will go on a state-level protest on September 23 at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. ASHA workers have been frontline warriors during the Covid-19 pandemic but are paid only a paltry Rs 4,000 per month while they are demanding Rs 12,000.
• Andhra Pradesh:For the first time in the past 50 days, Visakhapatnam district recorded less than 200 new cases on Monday (compared to 342 a day earlier), taking the total number of infections reported so far to 47,516. Out of the 49,978 coronavirus infections reported in Guntur district till Monday, only 6,418 are active after the discharge of 43,062 patients from hospitals.  From around 800 new cases being reported daily, the spread of Covid has significantly reduced over the past few days as the district is witnessing around 500 fresh infections emerging daily, according to statistics.
• Telangana:2166 new cases, 2143 recoveries & 10 deaths reported in the last 24 hours; out of 2166 cases, 309 cases reported from GHMC. Total cases: 1,74,774; Active cases: 29,649; Deaths: 1052; Discharges :1,44,073.Schools, colleges reopen to new normal in Telangana; Education Department had permitted a maximum of 50 per cent of teaching and non-teaching staff to be called to schools/colleges for online teaching/tele-counselling and related work.
• Maharashtra: With Maharashtra reporting a record number of 32,007 recoveries from COVID-19 infection on Monday, the total number of recoveries in the state has reached 9,16,348. The recovery rate stands at 74.84 per cent, while the fatality rate is 2.7 per cent.   The state now has 2,74,623 active cases.  In another Covid related development the State Government has withdrawn its circular on rationing of medical oxygen.
• Gujarat: For the fourth straight day, Gujarat reported more than 1,400 cases in 24 hours, with 1,430 persons testing positive for Covid-19 on Monday. With this, the state's tally so far reached 1,24,767. A total of 17 more patients succumbed to  the infection, taking the death toll to 3,339.Surat reported 290 cases, its highest in a fortnight. Ahmedabad had 177 cases, Rajkot 143, Vadodara 137 and Jamnagar 123.
• Rajasthan:  The Rajasthan Government has started a helpline number, 181, to facilitate COVID-19 patients across the state. The helpline and control room will guide patients about treatment and availability of hospital beds.  Meanwhile, State-level war room has started functioning round the clock at the State Secretariat.  Recovery rate of corona infected patients in Rajasthan has crossed 83%, whereas the mortality rate is 1.6%, as per health department.
• Chhattisgarh:  Having reported as many as 56,678 COVID-19 cases in the past three weeks, about a dozen worst-affected districts in Chhattisgarh including Raipur have decided to go for fresh lockdowns for durations ranging from a week to ten days. The state reported 413 deaths in this duration. The total number of cases in the state with a population of 3.22 crores stood at 88,181 while the death toll was at 690. During the past three weeks, the state has reported more than 64 per cent of all the cases and around 60 per cent of all the deaths till now.

FACT CHECK

******

YB