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

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India’s Active Caseload further contracts to 4.35 Lakhs; Daily New Recoveries outnumber Daily New Cases

India’s active cases today stand at 4,35,603, much below the 5-lakh mark. The share of Active Cases in the total Positive Cases has further shrunk to 4.60%. The daily recoveries exceeding new cases has ensured a total net reduction of the Active Caseload. A net decline of 11,349 cases has been recorded in the total active cases in last 24 hours. 31,118 new cases were added to the national tally in the last 24 hours. While some States (Kerala, Delhi, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh etc) have witnessed a decline in the active caseload in the past 24 hours, others such as Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam and Goa have reported an addition to their caseload. In contrast to 31,118 new reported cases, 41,985 cases have recovered in the last 24 hours. The total recovered cases stand at 88,89,585 which translates to a Recovery Rate of 93.94%. The gap between Recovered cases and Active cases continues to grow and presently stands at 84,53,982. 76.82% of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs. Kerala reported the maximum number of single day recoveries with 6,055 recoveries. Delhi follows with 5,824 new recoveries. 77.79% of the new cases are concentrated in 10 States and UTs. Maharashtra reported the maximum daily new cases numbering 3,837 in the last 24 hours. Delhi recorded 3,726 new cases while Kerala reported 3,382 new cases yesterday. Ten States/UTs account for 81.12% of the 482 case fatalities reported in the past 24 hours. 22.4% of new fatalities reported are from Delhi which reported 108 deaths. Maharashtra and West Bengal follow with 80 and 48 new deaths, respectively.

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Dr. Harsh Vardhan distributes masks and soaps with Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) at Old Delhi Railway Station

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Chairman of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) distributed masks and soaps at the Old Delhi Railway Station on Sunday. Emphasizing on the importance of wearing Mask and washing of hands, Dr Vardhan said, “We will soon be completing eleven months in our fight against COVID. Since then, the most important principle to protect ourselves and others is to follow basic principles of hygiene and physical distancing. In fight against COVID, our biggest weapon is mask and sanitizer.” Appreciating the fact that everybody present at the event is wearing mask, Dr Vardhan said, “This mask and soap distribution has a big message behind it. The aim is to spread the message. The government is trying to spread awareness among people through different channels and activities. Coolies, Taxi unions, three wheeler unions play a very important role in its implementation.” Speaking on the COVID situation in India, Dr Vardhan highlighted the progress in COVID parameters . He said, “ India has one of the highest recovery rate in the whole world. From 1 lab in January 2020, we now have 2165 labs. More than a million people are being tested on a daily basis.”

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Dr Harsh Vardhan digitally addresses the students of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare on Friday digitally addressed the students of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). At the outset, Dr Vardhan welcomed the students and extended his gratitude for inviting him to interact with the budding journalists. Dr Vardhan stated, “Media being the fourth pillar of democracy plays very important role in modelling attitude of people. Thus, there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of journalists as they are capable of delivering richest of dividends.” Applauding the efforts of journalists during the times of crisis due to pandemic from the last 11 months, Dr Vardhan said, “Journalistshave worked round the clock from ground zero to provide information to the public. The COVID war, which started from January 2020 is now into its eleventh month. Media has been an active partner during this journey.” He also paid his tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in an attempt to provide information to the people. “My list of Corona warriors also include journalists”, he said.

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PM interacts with three teams working on developing & manufacturing COVID-19 vaccine

The Prime Minister on Monday had virtual meetings with 3 teams working on developing & manufacturing vaccine for COVID-19. These teams were from Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd Pune, Biological E Ltd Hyderabad and Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd Hyderabad. The PM appreciated the efforts being taken by the scientists in these companies to come out with a vaccine solution to tackle COVID-19. The potential of various platforms for vaccine development was also discussed. PM also asked the companies to come out with their suggestions and ideas regarding the regulatory processes and related matters. He also suggested that they should take extra efforts to inform the general public in simple language about the vaccine and related matters such as its efficacy etc. Matters relating to logistics, transport, cold chain etc in respect of delivering the vaccines were also discussed.

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PM participates in Dev Deepawali Mahotsav in Varanasi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in Dev Deepawali Mahotsav in Varanasi on Monday. Addressing the event, the Prime Minister said it was another special occasion for Kashi as, He said, the idol of Mata Annapurna that was stolen from Kashi more than 100 years ago, is now coming back again. It is a matter of great fortune for Kashi. He said these ancient idols of our gods and goddesses are a symbol of our faith as well as our priceless heritage.

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Text of PM's address at Dev Deepawali Mahotsav in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

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PM inaugurates six-lane widening project of the Varanasi-Prayagraj section of NH-19

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated six-lane widening project of the Varanasi - Prayagraj section of NH-19 yesterday in Varanasi. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said we are now seeing the outcome of the work of connectivity along with the beautification of Kashi done in the past. He added that the unprecedented work has been done on new highways, pull-flyovers, widening of roads to reduce traffic jams in and around Varanasi. The Prime Minister remarked that our farmers would benefit greatly when modern connectivity expands in the area. He said over the years, efforts have been made to create infrastructure like cold storage along with modern roads in the villages. A fund of 1 lakh crore rupees has also been created for this.

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Text of PM’s address at the inauguration of six-lane widening project of the Varanasi-Prayagraj section of NH-19

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PM reviews vaccine development and manufacturing process at 3 facilities

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Saturday undertook a three city tour to conduct extensive review of the vaccine development and manufacturing process. He visited the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum Institute of India in Pune.The scientists expressed joy that the Prime Minister met them face to face in order to boost their morale and help accelerate their efforts at this critical juncture in the vaccine development journey. Prime Minister expressed pride in the fact that India’s indigenous vaccine development has progressed at such a rapid pace so far. He spoke on how India is following sound principles of science in the entire journey of vaccine development, while also asking for suggestions to make the vaccine distribution process better.Prime Minister stressed that India considers vaccines as not only vital to good health but also as a global good, and it is India’s duty to assist other countries, including the nations in our neighbourhood, in the collective fight against the virus. He asked the scientists to express their free and frank opinion on how the country could further improve its regulatory process. The scientists also presented an overview of how they are also developing various new and repurposed drugs to better fight COVID-19.

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English rendering of PM’s address in the 18th Episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat 2.0’ on 29.11.2020

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Prime Minister Speaks to the UK PM Mr Boris Johnson

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi spoke on phone with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, His Excellency Mr. Boris Johnson on Friday. The two leaders exchanged thoughts about the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and reviewed the promising cooperation between India and UK in the area of vaccine development and manufacturing. The leaders reiterated their shared desire to impart a quantum jump to the India-UK partnership in the post-COVID, post-BREXIT era, and agreed that there was tremendous potential for enhancing collaboration in trade and investment, scientific research, mobility of professionals and students, and defence and security.

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Rs 1,04,963 crore of gross GST Revenue collected in the month of November 2020

The gross GST revenue collected in the month of November, 2020 is ₹ 1,04,963 crore of which CGST is ₹ 19,189 crore, SGST is ₹ 25,540 crore, IGST is ₹ 51,992 crore (including ₹ 22,078 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is ₹ 8,242crore (including ₹ 809 crore collected on import of goods). The total number of GSTR-3B Returns filed for the month of November up to 30^th November 2020 is 82 lakhs. The government has settled ₹ 22,293 crore to CGST and ₹ 16,286 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. The total revenue earned by Central Government and the State Governments after regular settlement in the month of November 2020 is ₹ 41,482 crore for CGST and ₹ 41,826 crore for the SGST. In line with the recent trend of recovery in the GST revenues, the revenues for the month of November 2020 are 1.4% higher than the GST revenues in the same month last year. During the month, revenues from import of goods was 4.9% higher and the revenues from domestic transaction (including import of services) are 0.5% higher that the revenues from these sources during the same month last year.

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Government Launches Mission COVID Suraksha to accelerate Indian COVID-19 Vaccine Development

The Government of India (GOI) has announced the third stimulus package of Rs. 900 Crore for the Mission COVID Suraksha- The Indian COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission. This grant will be provided to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Research & Development of Indian COVID-19 vaccines. The COVID-19 Vaccine development Mission with end-to-end focus from preclinical development through clinical development and manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment, would consolidate all available and funded resources towards an accelerated product development. This will help accelerate development of approx. 5-6 vaccine candidates and ensure that these are brought closer to licensure and introduction in market for consideration of regulatory authorities for introduction in public health systems, to combat further spread of COVID infection. The important objectives of the fund will be accelerating pre-clinical & clinical development; licensure of COVID-19 vaccine candidates that are currently in clinical stages or ready to enter clinical stage of development, establishing clinical trial sites, and strengthening the existing immunoassay laboratories, central laboratories and suitable facilities for animal studies, production facilities and other testing facilities to support COVID-19 vaccine development.

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Enhancement in ICU Capacity at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Covid Hospital Delhi

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has increased the number of ICU beds to 500 in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Covid Hospital at Delhi Cantonment on the advice of Union Government in view of the rising number of cases in Delhi NCR. All the beds are provided with oxygen support. Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), Lt Gen Anup Banerji, SM, PHS, has been continuously monitoring the updating of the facility to meet the current upsurge and the information has been updated on Delhi Government portal.Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Covid Hospital is DRDO’s 1000 bed facility, which was made operational on 5th July 2020 with a mandate to treat COVID-19 positive patients from Delhi and other states. The increase in the number of ICU beds required additional equipment like ICU monitors, HFNC machines, and up-gradation of existing oxygen pipeline. To deal with the unprecedented surge in number of cases, AFMS has increased the medics. Doctors and nursing staff from ITBP, CAPF and other services have joined and are working round the clock.There have been 3271 admissions in the hospital so far out of which 2796 patients have been cured/ discharged.

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Union Education Minister releases a compilation of initiatives by School Education Department during COVID-19 pandemic

Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually released a compilation of initiatives undertaken by School Education Department during COVID-19 pandemic on Friday.The Minister noted that in the year 2020-21, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented public health emergency, affecting almost all countries and territories globally. He further said that the pandemic has led to severe disruptions in normal life,and has impacted children and also affected the closure of schools in the country.Releasing the compilation,ShriPokhriyal highlighted that Department of School Education & Literacy has taken several initiatives such as PM e-Vidya, Pragyata Guidelines, Manodarpan for Psycho-social support, E-Content, Alternative Academic Calender, etc to ensure that the school going students don’t lag behind in their studies during COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed happiness that these initiatives have contributed a lot in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Ministry has come out with several measures to remodel and re-imagine the way teaching and learning have happened so far.

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EPFO extends time limit for Pensioners upto 28th February 2021 for submission of Jeevan Pramaan Patra; 35 Lakh pensioners with EPFO to benefit

In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the vulnerability of elderly population to Corona Virus, EPFO has extended the time limit up to 28th February 2021 for submission of Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan Patra-JPP) in respect of the Pensioners drawing pension under EPS 1995 and whose Life certificate is due in any month till February 28, 2021. Presently a Pensioner can submit JPP anytime during the year upto 30th November, which is valid for a period of one year from the date of issue. All such pensioners can submit Life Certificate till February 28, 2021. Multiple modes for submission of JPPs including 3.65 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs), Branches of Pension Disbursing Banks 1.36 lakh post offices, Postal Network of 1.90 lakh Postmen and Grameen DakSevaks under the Department of Post can be availed by pensioners. Pensioners can use link for locating the nearest CSCs (https://locator.csccloud.in/) and link for placing online request to Post Offices for submission of JPPs from comfort of their Home or elsewhere (http://ccc.cept.gov.in/covid/request.aspx).

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Archer Kapil tests positive for coronavirus, currently asymptomatic

Kapil who is part of the National Archery camp underway at Army Sports Institute, Pune has tested positive for the coronavirus. He is asymptomatic and being monitored by a medical team.

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Boxer Duryodhan Singh Negi tests covid positive, is asymptotic and under observation

Boxer Duryodhan Singh Negi (69 kg) who is presently training at SAI NSNIS Patiala has tested positive for the coronavirus. He is currently asymptomatic and has been shifted to Columbia Asia Hospital as a precautionary measure. He had been on leave for the Diwali break and and was in quarantine upon his return. As per SOPs established by SAI, he was tested on the 6th day after his return to the camp .

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Very Positive response from pharmaceutical and medical device industry to PLI Schemes for Bulk Drugs and Medical Devices which closed on 30-11-2020

Production Linked Incentive(PLI) Scheme for Bulk Drugs and PLI Scheme for Medical Devices have shown a very positive response from the pharmaceutical as well as the medical device industry. The industry has shown a very good response to these schemes whereby 215 applications made by 83 pharmaceutical manufacturers have been received under the PLI Scheme for bulk drugs. Similarly, 28 applications made by 23 medical device manufacturers have been received under the PLI Scheme for medical devices. The closing date of applications was 30.11.2020.

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Indian growth story continues as is demonstrated by the trends in FPI, FDI and Corporate Bond Market flows

COVID-19 has drastically affected the investment climate in all economies of the world, causing a sharp decline in the demand and supply equilibrium everywhere. India has been no exception to this unprecedented economic shock. Yet, investment sentiment in the Indian economy has been buoyed by the frequent and active intervention of the Government of India despite being hit by a world-wide pandemic.The Indian growth story continues to expand as is demonstrated by the trends in FPI, FDI and Corporate Bond Market flows that indicate and underline the beliefs of investors in the strength and resilience of Indian economy. FPI inflows stood at Rs 62,782 crorefor November 2020.  FDI equity inflows touched US$30,004 millionup to September 2020 in FY2020-21-which is 15% more than the corresponding period of 2019-20. In H1 FY21, the total corporate bond issuances amount to Rs. 4.43 lakh crore, 25% higher than Rs. 3.54 lakh crore in the same period last year.

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INPUTS FROM PIB FIELD OFFICES

• Assam: In Assam, 159 cases detected out of 22,683 tests conducted with positivity Rate- 0.70% & 52 cases are from Kamrup M. 110 patients discharged; total cases- 2,12,776, tweeted Assam Health Minister HimantaBiswaSarma.
• Nagaland: With 27 new cases, Nagaland's COVID-19 total reaches 11,186. Active cases are 925.
• Sikkim: COVID-19 protocol: Movementsbanned in Sikkim at night. 26 more patients were discharged from isolation to improve the figure of discharged COVID-19 patients in Sikkim to 4,544. State now have 248 active cases.
• Meghalaya: Meghalaya has reported no fresh death due to COVID-19 during the last 24 hours while 70 new COVID-19 positive cases were detected in the state during the period taking the number of active cases up to 763.
• Maharashtra: To curb the spread of infection in Mumbai, Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has asked the authorities to collect fine of 200 rupees from the people found not wearing masks in public places. Post-Diwali season, the civic body has further increased inspection drives all across the city. BMC said, from April till November 28, it took action against 4.85 lakh citizens for not wearing masks in public places and collected over 10.7 crore rupees as fine from them.The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has started the process of identifying places for cold storage facilities for storing the Covid-19 vaccine. It is converting a 5,000 square feet floor in a building at Kanjurmarg into a cold storage facility. It will be ready by December 15. Additional Commissioner of BMC Suresh Kakani informed that the search for the exact sites for the cold storage houses is currently underway, while one site at Kanjurmarg has been finalized.
• Gujarat: Gujarat recorded 1502 new cases during the last 24 hours. The recovery rate in the state remains at 90.96 percent. The number of total cases of COVID-19 detected so far in Gujarat has reached up to 2,90,780. Out of these, 1,90,821 patients recovered. 1401 patients recovered during the last 24 hours. Maximum 312 new cases reported from Ahmedabad, while Surat recorded 266 new cases. At present total active cases in the state are 14970, out of which 83 patients are on ventilator. 20 patients died yesterday taking the total deaths due to Covid19 up to 3989. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has added 8 new areas in the micro containment zone following detection of new cases.
• Rajasthan: Rajasthan government has said that schools, colleges, cinema, entertainment parks etc. will remain closed in the state till December 31. The move comes after sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the state.   The state reported 20 coronavirus deaths yesterday, taking the total number of fatalities to 2,312. State also reported 2,677 fresh cases.
• Madhya Pradesh: In Madhya Pradesh, strict steps are being taken by the administration in view of the increasing cases of corona infection in many cities including Bhopal and Indore. For the past several days more than 500 new cases have been reported in Indore and more than 300 cases in Bhopal. The number of active cases in MP has increased to around 15 thousand.In order to stop the spread of corona infection in Bhopal, the Roko Toko campaign has been started by the NSS and social organizations on the instructions of the administration. Under this campaign, people are being advised to wear masks through the characters of Yamraj and Chitragupta, along with the distribution of masks free of cost by the organizations.
• Chhattisgarh: With 1,324 new COVID-19 cases and 21 more deaths, Chhattisgarh's count of infections rose to 2,37,322 and toll to 2,861 on Monday.  The number of recoveries went up to 2,14,826 after 153 people were discharged from various hospitals while 1,586 patients completed their home isolation stay during the day. The state now has 19,635 active cases.  Raipur district reported 186 new cases, taking its total count to 46,526, including 656 deaths.
• Goa: Goa government has decided to photograph and fine tourists who are found roaming in the city without masks. Recently, several tourists in Goa have been noticed without masks and arguing with the authorities unnecessarily. Panaji Mayor Uday Madkaikar made the crucial announcement on Monday. It was only last week that the government announced a doubling of the fine for not wearing masks to INR 200.
• Kerala: State Health Minister K K. Shailaja has expressed concern on the transmission of Covid-19 while campaigning for the ensuing local body polls; Minister also warned that things would go out of hand if voters do not take precautionary measures; 3382 more people contracted the disease in the state yesterday. 2244 people have lost their lives due to the virus so far in the state.
• Tamil Nadu: Unlocking TN: Colleges to reopen on Dec 7, beaches and tourist places from Dec 14; announcing the State government’s plan to ease lockdown curbs further from Tuesday, in line with the measures to revive the economy, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said social, political and entertainment events would be allowed in auditoriums from that day. Colleges want officials to restore classrooms to pre-Covid state; beds and facilities put up for patients are yet to be cleared from many campuses
• Karnataka: The Karnataka Health department on Monday said that it has initiated necessary preparations for Covid-19 vaccine delivery, distribution and administration as per the Centre’s advice;As of Monday, 68,317 government and 35,310 private potential vaccinators have been identified. Goa tourists fly from Karnataka to Maharashtra to avoid ‘unnecessary’ Covid test; the new travel rules announced by Maharashtra government in view of the second wave of Covid-19 have led to many taking a detour to reach the state.  
• Andhra Pradesh: “Occurrence of another wave of infections couldn’t be confirmed scientifically yet. However, we are well prepared to face any such spike in cases. We haven’t downgraded anything yet and same testing capacity and hospital facilities are available and everything is functioning at full capacity,” said Katamneni Bhaskar, Commissioner, Department of Health and Family Welfare. The State’s Covid-19 death rate at 0.81 per cent is the lowest in the country and the tests per million ratio at 1.8 lakh the highest among the States with higher caseloads.
• Telangana: Telangana continued to see a downward trend in daily COVID-19 cases with 502 fresh infections and three related deaths being reported, taking the tally to more than 2.70 lakh; Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of cases with 101, followed by MedchalMalkajgiri 46 and BhadradriKothagudem 33, a government bulletin said on Tuesday providing details as of 8 pm on November 30.

FACT CHECK

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