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

35 States/UTs performing more than 140 Tests/day/million population, 22 States/UTs report Positivity Rate less than National Average; For the 17th Day, number of Active Cases below 1 million

India has performed remarkably on fulfilling WHO’s advise of 140 tests/day/ million population. 35 States/UTs have exceeded the advised number of tests. The national average of tests per day per million population stands at 865. Nearly 12 lakh tests were conducted in the last 24 hours in the country. With 11,94,321 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, the cumulative tests have crossed 8.34 crore (8,34,65,975). 7 States/UTs have reported positivity rate less than 5%.22 States/UTs have positivity rate less than the national average. The cumulative Positivity Rate is 8.19% and is on a continuous decline. Maintaining the spree of registering more recoveries than the new confirmed cases, 83,011 single day recoveries were registered in last 24 hours as against 78,524 new confirmed cases. The total recovered cases stand at 58,27,704. The gap between Recovered cases and Active cases has crossed 49 lakh (49,25,279). The Active Cases are less than 10 lakh for the 17^th day in a row. Presently the active cases comprise merely 13.20% of the total positive cases of the country standing at 9,02,425. Higher number of recoveries has aided the national Recovery Rate to further improve to 85.25%. 75% of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs. Maharashtra alone has contributed the maximum with more than 16,000 single day recovery.78,524 new confirmed cases were recorded in last 24 hours. 79% of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs. Maharashtra continues to be the State reporting a very high number of new cases with more than 14,000 cases followed by Karnataka with nearly 11,000 cases. 971 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. Of these, nearly 82% are concentrated in ten State/UTs. More than 36% of new fatalities are reported are from Maharashtra (355 deaths).

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PM launches public movement and appeals everyone to unite in fight against corona

Prime Minister, Shri NarendraModi launched a public movement today and appealed everyone to unite in the fight against corona.In a tweet, the Prime Minister appealed everyone to unite in the fight against Corona. Reiterating the key message of “wear a mask, wash hands, follow social distancing and practice do gajkidoori”, the Prime Minister said together we will succeed and win against the Covid-19.The campaign is being launched with the aim to encourage People’s Participation. Under the campaign, a COVID-19 Pledge will be taken by all. A Concerted Action Plan will be implemented by Central Government Ministries/ Departments and State Governments/ Union Territories which includes: Region- specific targeted communication in high case-load districts, Simple and easily understandable messages to reach every citizen, Dissemination throughout the country using all media platforms, Banners and Posters at public places; involving Frontline workers and Targeting Beneficiaries of Government Schemes, Hoardings/ wall paintings/ electronic display boards in government premises, Involvement of Local and National influencers to drive home the message, Running mobile vans for regular awareness generation, Audio messages; pamphlets/ brochures on awareness, Seeking support of Local Cable Operators for running COVID messages and Coordinated media campaign across platforms for effective outreach and impact. 

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All India Institute of Ayurveda signs MoU with Amity University for Ayurveda Research

Continuing with the policy of Ministry of AYUSH of forging partnerships for promoting and developing the AYUSH Systems of Healthcare, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi under the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Amity University yesterday. The MoU focuses on promoting research in Ayurvedic Sciences. The MoU by AIIA is with the Amity Institute of Indian System of Medicine, which was established in 2018 by the Amity University in recognition of the growing importance of the Indian System of Medicine. The MoU envisages collaboration Quality and standardization of Ayurvedic drugs as well as in Ph.D. programmes in natural product chemistry and pharmacy. Studies in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics have also been identified as potential areas of collaboration. The MoU will also lead to joint projects and publications.

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Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah appealed to everyone to join PM Modi’s public movement in the fight against Covid-19

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah appealed to everyone to join Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s public movement in the fight against Covid-19. In his tweets, Shri Amit Shah said, “A global pandemic like Covid-19 can be fought only when all the countrymen come together. Let us all unite to fight against Covid-19 by joining this mass movement started by PM Modi and play an important role in making India Covid-19 free by making everyone aware of this pandemic.” He added that “There are only three mantras to protect ourselves from COVID-19: wearing a mask, practicing two meters of social distancing and washing hands frequently. Follow these three safety mantras of PM Modi to not only keep yourself safe but also to keep your family, friends and colleagues safe from COVID-19”

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ESIC decides for Prompt payment of Permanent Disablement Benefit and Dependent Benefit to beneficiaries

Keeping in view the COVID-19 epidemic, ESIC has issued directions to all Regions and Sub-region Heads to disburse the Permanent disablement benefit and dependent benefits to the Insured persons(IPs) and their dependents every month. All regions and Sub-regions have been constantly disbursing the monthly payments for PDB & DB to Insured Persons and their dependents without fail during entire COVID-19 period besides conduct of regular Medical Board to access the loss in earning capacity of Insured Persons.In Rajasthan, a Medical Board was arranged at Model Hospital, Jaipur for 48 ESIC Insured Person suffering from Occupational Diseases like silicosis/byssinosis working at PindawadaDistt. Sirohi, Rajasthan. Prior to that, another medical board was also arranged to examine Insured Persons suffering from Occupational Diseases. It is worth mentioning that all the 48 Insured Persons were first tested for COVID-19 test before conducting medical board. As per Medical Boards decision, Permanent disablement benefit was started to 85 beneficiaries found to be suffering from Occupational Diseases. Besides it, Dependent Benefit payment to dependents of six deceased Insured Persons who died due to silicosis/byssinosis has also been started in this month.

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Shri PiyushGoyal says Trade & economy most important pillars of India- European Union partnership

Union Railways and Commerce & Industry Minister Shri PiyushGoyalhas said that Trade & economy is one of the most important pillars of India- European Union (EU) partnership. Addressing the Diplomatic & Industry Leadership Session on EU-India Collaborative Economic Growth yesterday, he said that we are also hopeful of working with EU towards a FTA, possibly starting with a Preferential Trade Agreement for an early harvest to get faster outcomes. Shri Goyal said that to combat the COVID crisis, India & Europe worked together whether it was for adequate supply of medicines to different European countries or other goods required to battle coronavirus. He said that through the lockdown, our Information Technology sector continued to serve businesses in Europe, without any interruption. On the Covid-19, Shri Goyal said that when it came to addressing the problem in India, we moved swiftly into lockdown so that we could save lives & as we were able to prepare ourselves to fight COVID. “We started unlock process from June. As we move from protecting lives to saving lives & livelihoods, we have evolved as per the emergent situation.We can see benefits of that in having one of the highest recovery rates in the world & one of the lowest fatality rate. We have one of the highest recovery rates in the world.

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Despite Covid, NHAI awards 60% more length of projects during first half of FY 2020-21 as compared to same period last year

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has awarded projects for a total cumulative length of 1330 km in the current Financial Year. The Authority reports that projects awarded so far in first half of the current Financial Year are1.6 times higher of 828 km awarded in FY 19-20 and 3.5 times higher of 373 km awarded in FY18-19 during the same period. For the awarded projects, NHAI has already completed atl east 80 to 90 percent of the land acquisition, actioned utilities shifting and has obtained required clearances from various forest and environment authorities. As per an NHAI statement, during April to September 2020, it awarded a total of 40 projects covering 1330 km length. Capital cost of these 40 projects is Rs. 47,289 crore, which includes cost of civil work, land acquisition, and other pre- construction activities. NHAI has set a target of awarding 4500 km of projects during current Financial Year and is likely to exceed the target. In March 2020, NHAI disbursed Rs. 10,000 crore through online payments and ensured that no payments remain pending due to closure of office during the lock down. In the first quarter of current Financial Year, NHAI disbursed more than Rs. 15,000 crore to the vendors.

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Skilling, re-skilling, up-skilling and industry-connect skilling necessary for achieving the vision of USD 5 trillion economy and a self-reliant India, says Dr. MahendraNathPandey

Dr. MahendraNathPandey, Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, on behalf of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi and his own behalf yesterday congratulated PHD Chamber on its 115^th Annual Session. He praised the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister and appreciated the extensive measures undertaken in tough COVID-times. DrPandey said that Skill India is a concept that has been making a footprint, both in and outside India. He said that all our ecosystem of education and skill departments in every state and district came together to contribute with their innovative ideas during the last 7 months of the COVID pandemic. He opined for skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling, skill training centres, industry connect skilling and industry demand skilling are important for achieving the vision of a USD 5 trillion economy and making India self-reliant, going forward.

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All India Institute of Ayurveda signs MoU with Amity University for Ayurveda Research

Continuing with the policy of Ministry of AYUSH of forging partnerships for promoting and developing the AYUSH Systems of Healthcare, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi under the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Amity University on 7^th October 2020. The MoU focuses on promoting research in Ayurvedic Sciences.This partnership is expected to result in some cutting edge research in Ayurveda as well as in the promotion and spread of knowledge associated with Ayurvedic Sciences across the globe. It will integrate traditional knowledge with modern sciences and add new dimensions to research in Ayurveda.

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Shri ThaawarchandGehlot Virtually Inaugurates International Conference on "Mental Health: Looking Beyond COVID 19"

Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot inaugurated the virtual “International conference on Mental Health: Looking Beyond COVID 19” through video conferencing today. Prof. Craig Jeffrey, Director, Australia-India Institute co-chaired the conference.Delivering inaugural address, Shri ThaawarchandGehlot drew the attention of rising trend of mental health concerns across the globe. He also apprised about the recent initiatives of the Govt of India such as setting up of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh & KIRAN mental health rehabilitation helpline for addressing mental health issues.

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INPUTS FROM PIB FIELD OFFICES

· Assam: In Assam, 2,561patients have been discharged yesterday, hence taking the discharge percent to 82.87%. Total discharged patients 1,57,635& active patients 31,786.

· Mizoram: Two more COVID-19 cases confirmed in Mizoram yesterday. Total cases 2,150, active cases 231.

· Nagaland: With 53 new cases, Nagaland's COVID-19 total reaches 6,715. Recovered cases are 5,444 and active cases 1,142.

• Sikkim: Two more COVID-19 death and 18 new cases detected in Sikkim. The active COVID-19 cases in Sikkim stand at 590. So far, 2534 persons have been discharged in Sikkim after recovering from Coronavirus.
• Kerala:With daily Covid-19 cases crossing 10,000 and test positivity rate almost touching 15 percent, the Kerala government has decided not to open bars and beer & wine parlours for the time being. As it stands, private bars offer only counter sales, that too till 5pm. In the meeting convened by CM, Health Secretary said that nearly 90 percent were infected through contacts and the recent surge in Covid cases was a consequence of relaxed social distancing norms during Onam, and argued that opening of bars would further intensify the spread. Crossing 10,000 single day cases for the first time, Kerala confirmed 10,606 cases yesterday. At the same time, 6,161 patients recovered from the disease. Both were the highest single-day figures so far. At present, there are 92,161 patients undergoing treatment and 2.67 lakh people are under observation across the state. The death toll is 906.
• Tamil Nadu:A day after second asymptomatic Covid-19 patient succumbed at the Covid Care Centre (CCC) at Codissia Trade Fair Complex in Coimbatore, which triggered a section of in-patients to stir against poor treatment facilities, the district administration announced its plan to equip a few beds with oxygen supply at the facility. Covid-19 cases dip in Cuddalore in September; District Collector said an effective surveillance system, an increase in fever camps and early identification and treatment has helped bring down the cases. Tamil Nadu reported 5,447 fresh cases of Covid-19 and 67 associated deaths on Wednesday. This took the State’s infection tally to 6,35,855 and toll to 9,984.
• Karnataka: Today Chief Minister called meeting of 11 District Deputy commissioners, CEOs, DHOs and SP's to discuss on Covid control measures. Meanwhile Education Department decided to continue online education Samveda series 2 from October 12, in which lessons will taught for 5,6,7 class students, said Education Minister Suresh Kumar. Karnataka recorded the highest single-day Covid cases on Wednesday with 10,947 positives, which brought the tally to 6,68,652. Active cases now stand at 1,16,153. Meanwhile, 113 new Covid deaths were reported, bringing the toll to 9,574.
• Andhra Pradesh: So far 1,838 units of plasma have been collected from 1,475 people in the State and 1,385 people have been treated with plasma therapy. The highest number of plasma was donated by 322 people in Guntur district and 302 people were treated. The total count of positive cases in the state has risen to 7,34,427 while active cases are 49,513.  A total of 66,769 samples have been tested in the state in the past 24 hours. 6,349 more persons recovered taking the total recoveries to 6,78,828. The death toll has gone up to 6,086 with addition of 34 more deaths yesterday.
• Telangana: 1896 new cases, 2067 recoveries & 12 deaths reported in the last 24 hours; out of 1896 cases, 294 cases reported from GHMC. Total cases: 2,06,644; Active cases: 26,368; Deaths:1201; Discharges:1,79,075. The Telangana government on Wednesday issued guidelines under Unlock 5.0, but no decision has been taken on reopening of schools and cinemas. The state government issued guidelines permitting Business to Business (B2B) exhibitions from October 15.

FACT CHECK

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