Author: Vidhyarthi Darpan

CURRENT AFFAIRS
17 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) India lifts export prohibitions for formulations manufactured from Paracetamol:

On March 3 the administration had placed export limits on 26 pharmaceutical ingredients and medications like paracetamol. On April 17, 2020, the Indian government lifted the prohibition on the export of formulations produced using Paracetamol amidst COVID-19 outbreak as the formulations produced using Paracetamol, including fixed-portion blends, will be made quickly accessible for trade.

2) India will send out hydroxychloroquine to 55 countries influenced by Covid-19:

India exports the medication industrially to 21 nations and the remainder will obtain it in very limited amounts on a grant. India has consented to supply 55 nations with anti- malarial medication ‘hydroxychloroquine,’ including the US, UK, Russia and France. 

3) Chess expert Viswanathan Anand has named the ambassador of WWF India:

Chess expert Viswanathan Anand has been named as the new Environment Education program of India’s Ambassador for the World Wide Fund (WWF), which was created in 1976 to connect with younger students, youth and individuals over the world with the aim of promoting basic reasoning, critical thinking, and nature cognizant people.

4) RBI published OBICUS in 49th round:

The Reserve Bank of India announced the manufacturing part’s 49th round of quarterly OBICUS which incorporates the January-March 2020 reference period.

OB=order books

I= inventories

CUS= capacity utilization survey

5) Chhattisgarh propelled the site ‘Cghaat’ for basic conveyance and essential items online:

On 16 April, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel introduced the online distribution site ‘Cghaat’ which will encourage fruits and vegetables distribution at the doorstep during the lockdown process due to COVID-19 outbreak.

6) CCMB to create Novel Coronavirus Inactivated Virus Vaccine:

Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is as of now creating an inactivated COVID-19 infection immunization known for its protection and simplicity of production. The pathogen can’t spread since they’re dead so it can’t cause a mild ailment and those with less insusceptibility, including the elderly ones and those with comorbidity, can be securely taken care of.

7) IASST creates nanomaterials for plasmonic semiconductors to extract harmful matter from liquids:

Assam’s Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) aims to create plasmonic semiconductor nanomaterials for extracting poisonous natural mixes from water by reaping sunlight which are metal-like materials with free electrons on a superficial level, collectively oscillating when light reaches.

8) Pusa Decontamination and Sanitizing Tunnel built by ICAR:

Pusa Decontamination and Sanitizing Tunnel is being built by the Agricultural Engineering Division, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), New Delhi, which was introduced on 16 April in New Delhi by the State Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare of the Union, Kailash Chaudhary.

9) CeNS designs portable devices for identification of heavy ions in water:

The Center for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) has built up a conservative strong solid-state sensor equipped for recognizing substantial metal particles in water created by a group of specialists drove by Dr. Pralay K. Santra at the Center for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences where heavy metal particles, for example, mercury, lead and cadmium display critical potential dangers to life.

10) SCTIMST creates GeneLAMP-N which makes the consequences of COVID-19 corroborative testing conceivable in 2 hours:

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum has built up an analytic test pack that can validate COVID-19 in 2 hours with ease where the strategy is relied upon to be the world’s initial scarcely any techniques.

11) DRDOs PPE research facility moved from DRDE Gwalior to Delhi INMAS:

Defence Research and Development Organization moved its testing office from the Defense Research Development Establishment, Gwalior to the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, New Delhi to address time delays and quicken the conveyance of Personal Protective Equipment and masks.

12) India will attend COVID-19 BRICS conference:

India is scheduled to attend a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers by the end of April 2020 where the participants will discuss financial impacts due to COVID-19 spread.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) In the midst of COVID-19, South Korea Election won by the ruling party:

South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s Democratic Party has succeeded in legislative elections where South Korea has become one of the first nation to hold national elections in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2) On 17 April, the World Haemophilia Day is celebrated:

World Hemophilia Day is being celebrated on 17 April with the goal of increasing attention to hemophilia, von Willebrand malady and other acquired bleeding issue where expanded mindfulness will improve analysis and access to treatment for the millions who stay untreated.

SPORTS AFFAIRS:

1) China launches 2022 mascot as ‘Fei Fei’ bird in 4th Asian Para Games:

On April 16, 2020, Hangzhou Asian Games’ panel announced the bird’s ‘Fei Fei’ as an official mascot for the fourth Asian Paralympic Games 2022, planned for October 9-15, 2022 in Hangzhou, China.

2) Coaches practicing online for the first time during COVID-19 lockdown:

As a major aspect of the Sports Ministry’s first ever online activity by India’s Sports Authority and National Sports Federations to update mentor skills, India’s Archery Association has started first-historically online coach training on the web by specialists where Sanjeeva Singh, the Arjuna and Dronacharya grant winner, will conduct mental sturdiness training.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
18 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) Scientists from Kerala create the low cost diagnostic test kit for COVID-19:

The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has created a less expensive and quicker COVID-19 infection diagnostic test pack called ‘Chitra Gene LAMP-N.’

2) Union Health Ministers advise New Delhi hospitals to take patients who are not in COVID:

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan held a comprehensive meeting with Delhi Medical Superintendents of different emergency clinics in New Delhi to take good care of non-COVID patients where he received complaints about refusal of treatment from patients with critical conditions other than COVID-19 who need dialysis or have coronary illness.

3) CBDT is repaying more than five thousand 204 crore rupees to support MSME:

CBDT told that income tax refunds would be acquired more than eight lakh independent ventures worth in excess of 5,000 204 crore rupees released over the most recent ten days that will empower MSME carry on its business without pay cuts and cutbacks in COVID-19 pandemic circumstances. 

4) Group of Ministers is revising COVID-19 management behavior:

The group of ministers surveyed the present status and the executives activities of COVID-19 where, under the chairmanship of Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the New Delhi Committee addressed in depth the control and the management of COVID-19 and the steps being taken and the present status of social separating initiatives being taken by the Government including the spread of COVID-19.

5) ICMR issues warning for Rapid Antibody Kits in COVID-19 hotspot regions:

Recently, the Indian Medical Research Council released a warning expressing the convention for the utilization of Rapid Antibody Test Kits in COVID-19 hotspot territories across states to utilize such units in influenced zones where the National Task Force has deliberately audited information on the utilization of these kits from various nations and is changed based on accessible proof.

6) GBRC scientists discover three new COVID-19 mutations:

The researchers at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center (GBRC) discovered three new COVID-19 infection transformations on April 17, 2020 and with this, GBRC turns into the nation’s first government lab to succession whole COVID-19 genome.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) United Nations Chief Antonio Guterres praises India for helping others in battling COVID-19:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended India for exceptional initiative in supporting others in the worldwide battle against the COVID-19 pandemic after India sent supplies of the anti- malarial medication ‘life-saving’ Hydroxychloroquine to numerous countries, including the United States. On April 17, Indian government likewise evacuated trade controls on all Paracetamol details empowering Indian pharmaceutical firms to explore medications to remote countries.

2) U.S. President Donald Trump proposes a three-phase lockdown strategy:

US President Donald Trump launched a three-stage strategy to restart the economy of the nation after the outbreak of COVID-19 where the new framework urges governors to gradually facilitate the lockdown in their states because America needs to be open and a national shutdown is definitely not a feasible long term arrangement.

3) Dubai is extending the lockdown of coronavirus by a week for 24 hours:

Dubai’s Supreme Committee on Crisis and Disaster Management declared the expansion of the 24-hour National Sterilization System to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in Dubai for one more week beginning 4 April.

4) The 18th of April is World Heritage Day:

18 April is praised as the World Heritage Day, which is likewise celebrated as the International Day of Monuments and Sites to bring issues to light of the diversity, legacy and vulnerability of landmarks and heritage sites where World Heritage destinations are characterized as man-made regions or natural zones that are of global significance and require specific protection.

5) Pioneers of ASEAN held Special Summit and ASEAN Special plus 3 COVID-19 Summit by means of video meeting:

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Member States held the Special ASEAN Summit on April 14, 2020 by means of video meeting led by Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Vietnam’s Prime Minister in his ability as ASEAN Chairman.

SPORTS AFFAIRS:

1) Under ITTF’s 2020 world rankings, India’s No.1 Table Tennis player stood at the 31st place and China stood first:

On April 16, 2020 According to the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Senior Male Players’ World Ranking 2020, India’s table tennis star Achanta Sharath Kamal has become the top-positioned player in 31st spot with 6460 points by beating Sathiyan Gnanasekaran who slid one spot to number 32.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
15 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) ICMR has proposed pooled testing to accelerate COVID-19 Test:

ICMR recently released a warning suggesting the utilization of ‘pooled testing’ for COVID-19 tests featuring the significance of ramping up testing for coronavirus disease in the region. The warning released by ICMR on 13 April suggested that pooled testing be utilized for similar purposes. Tests of a several people are placed together in a tube in a pooled test and screened by means of the PCR procedure. If the entire pool of tests tested ends up being negative, this means that the infection is absent in all the individuals who presented their samples and if the pool is deemed positive for COVID-19, individuals samples will be checked for coronavirus by every individual who partook in pooled testing.

2) DekhoApnaDesh webinar series introduced by the Ministry of Tourism:

The Ministry of Tourism propelled its “DekhoApnaDesh” webinar series to give data on the numerous goals and points of interest and extension of our Incredible India’s way of life and legacy where the change comes as the travel industry is tremendously affected with no development occuring either locally or over the outskirt because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

3) Sale of missiles worth USD 155 million authorized by the US to reinforce India:

The US has reaffirmed its vow to sell air-controlled Harpoon against anti-ship missiles and Mark 54 lightweight $155 million torpedoes to India with an ultimate aim of fortifying India’s discouragement capacities against global dangers and improving its nation of origin.

4) Smart cities utilize most recent innovation for COVID-19 awareness:

In India, smart cities like Vadodara, Bengaluru, Kalyan Dombivali, Agra, Kakinada, Chandigarh utilize the new innovation to construct awareness about COVID-19 and individuals’ security in the public arena.

5) Fit India has initiated a Fit India Active Day program for students at school:

Fit India, the flagship wellness initiative of the Government of India, has propelled the Fit India Active Day program, as the new arrangement of exercise meetings will be composed in association with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for students across the nation.

6) In the wake of the COVID-19 emergency, the Government starts discourse to resuscitate exports to the Agri markets:

The Government of India has started an exchange with the exporters of Agri and Allied wares with the goal of settling the issues that have been presented in the Agri area on account of the lockdown started to control the spread of COVID-19.

7) UP was the first state to conduct coronavirus pool testing:

Uttar Pradesh turned into the primary state to begin the pool testing of coronavirus tests as the quantity of COVID-19 positive patients reached at 558 and the Indian Council of Medical Research gave the state authorization for pool testing to help increment the ordinary testing of samples, which is relied upon to improve the state wellbeing department regular testing ability.

8) MHRD NIOS propelled effective tutoring legitimately at the doorstep to meet the unreached:

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has taken a few initiatives to guarantee that students’ training ought not be influenced because of the country COVID-19 lockdown as the HRD Ministry directed the National Open Schooling Institute to introduce an extraordinary strategy to ensure viable tutoring to get straight to the door at the unreached.

9) India will host the Asian Championship of Boxing:

India’s National Sports Federation reported it would have the Asian Boxing Championship by November-December 2020 as the league is hopeful about the infection to be cleared out by at that point.

10) India prepares for COVID-19 Ayurvedic Trials:

Numerous states in India like Kerala, Goa and Haryana have begun utilizing Ayurvedic drugs to spare asymptomatic patients as the Ministry of Ayush sought advice from homeopathy and Ayurvedic experts in the nation to accomplish this.

11) “COVSACK,” created by DRDO in order to battle COVID-19:

COVSACK has been created by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to gather tests from COVID-19 contaminated patients and is a COVID-19 Sample Collection Kiosk.

12) Goa transforms into first state to acquaint allopathy and Ayurveda with treat patients with COVID-19:

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has declared that Goa become the first state to combine allopathy and Ayurveda to treat COVID-19 patients and the individuals who have been isolated as the care will be given in consultation with specialists who manage COVID-19 patients who are likewise an Ayurvedic experts.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) UN is releasing $2.5 million to support Vanuatu, which has been devastated by cyclones:

On April 14, 2020, UN Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock proclaimed and released $2.5 million from its humanitarian relief fund to aid a large number of individuals affected by Cyclone Harold in the South Pacific island country of Vanuatu and provided assistance to other hard-hit nations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
16 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) Tourism Ministry launches the latest ‘DekhoApnaDesh’ webinar collection:

DekhoApnaDesh online class arrangement will praise the social legacy that incorporates Indian human progress cooking styles, dance styles, sanctuaries, music, festivals, scenes, and different viewpoints. It is a new webinar arrangement propelled by the Ministry of Tourism on April 14 that will provide data on India’s various destinations, legacy, and culture.

2) In Myanmar, six new Coronaviruses were found in bats:

According to the scientists, the analysis on these infections would aid in assessing the transmission potential and recognizing its threats to human wellbeing. In Myanmar researchers have identified six new coronaviruses in bats, as this is the first run through such infections have been detected on the planet.

3) The IMF predicts that the COVID-19 pandemic will end the advancement of Asia in 2020 without precedent for a long time i.e. 60 years:

In its examination on the Asia-Pacific locale, the International Monetary Fund revealed that Asia’s financial development in 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, would be ending without precedent for a long time i.e in 60 years.

4) MHA allows an offense for spitting under Section 51b of the Disaster Management Act:

In its updated lockdown rules released to include COVID-19 as the declaration was made by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in its updated rules, the Government of India has proclaimed Spitting out in the open demonstration a criminal offense under the severe Disaster Management Act.

5) Measures taken against COVID-19 pandemic at local panchayat:

Region governments and Gram Panchayats across the nation are proactively finding a way to monitor the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic as Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India stays in close contact with State Governments, District Authorities and Gram Panchayats to guarantee that lockdown conditions are not breached and social separating standards are observed.

6) Aarogya Setu app has become the fastest application in the worlds as it crosses 50 million downloads:

The cell phone application from the Central Government, Aarogya Setu, has become the quickest device on the planet to cross 50 million downloads in only 13 days, when the data was passed on 15 April by NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant as the device was built to track COVID-19 patients.

7) The Government of India guarantees SC of consistence with the WHO wellbeing necessities for wellbeing laborers:

On April 15, the Government of India informed the Supreme Court that rules for the protection of wellbeing laborers from the World Health Organizations are being followed in all cases including physicians, attendants, other wellbeing personnel and sanitation staff.

8) Regions of color code in the Health Ministry to better handle the COVID-19 pandemic:

India’s legislature has consented to isolate all areas around the nation into hotspots, non-hotspots, and green zones as the declaration was made by Lav Agarwal, the Health Ministry’s joint secretary.

9) MEA propelled COVID-19 preparing program for SAARC medicinal services experts:

The Ministry of External Affairs has declared a preparation program for healthcare experts from the nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on COVID-19 from 17 April 2020.

10) To aid taxpayers in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario, CBDT refunded Rs.4,250 crore:

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reported that, starting at 14 April 2020, it had just given over 10.2 lakh refunds totaling about Rs.4.250 crore as the change is pursuant to the choice of the Government of India to issue up to Rs.5 lakh pending annual expense refunds to aid citizens in a COVID-19 pandemic circumstance on 8 April.

11) Nirmala Sitharaman attended G20 FMCBG’s 2nd Virtual Meeting:

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman attended the virtual gathering of the second G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG), held under the Saudi Arabian Presidency on 15 April, during which ministers addressed to the worldwide monetary viewpoint in the midst of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

12) Integrated Geospatial Network complementing Arogya Setu:

The Department of Science and Technology propelled on April 15, 2020 an Integrated Geospatial Framework to enhance Arogya Setu and incorporate information from numerous different activities where the structure will aid the arrangement of territory explicit systems to manage COVID-19 financial effects.

13) “Sahyog” Mobile app introduced by Indian Survey:

The Indian Survey propelled a mobile application named “Sahyog” to assemble data about various informational collections for COVID-19 through network cooperation.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) North Korea developed several anti-ship missiles of short range:

The anti-ship missiles plummeted into the ocean in excess of 150 km off Munchon’s east coast town and the Sukhois conducted terminating tests as North Korea fired a few short-extend hostile to deliver cruise missiles into the ocean on 14 April.

SPORTS AFFAIRS:

1) The Tour de France is scheduled to begin on 29 August:

The Tour de France, which is the greatest cycling rivalry, will currently begin on 29 August 2020 and the occasion will end on 30 September 2020, where the race will occur before approximately 12 million fans as they line the 2,100-mile streets.

2) BCCI delays IPL 2020:

The Indian Premier League 2020 Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) postponed inconclusively on April 15, 2020, as the option was made after the extension of India’s lockdown until May 3, 2020.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
13 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) CCMB check against flare-up of COVID-19:

CSIR-Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) situated in Hyderabad is right now utilizing a few apparatuses and approaches in the nations to battle against COVID-19 that incorporate Testing patient samples, Training on COVID-19 Testing, Sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, Culturing SARS-CoV-2 Virus for Testing Repurposed and New Drugs.

2) ICMR reported that more than 40 vaccines are currently under production:

The Indian Council Medical Research (ICMR) reported that more than 40 antibodies are under different developmental stages yet no immunizations have arrived at the last stage and furthermore guaranteed that starting at now there is no antibody and vaccine and there are 219 labs, 151 government offices and 68 private COVID-19 test offices in India.

3) BRO has opened the Srinagar-Leh highway in order to allow critical goods:

On 11 April Border Roads Organization (BRO) opened the vital Srinagar-Leh highway linking Ladakh with the rest of the world. Prior, as the 425 km Srinagar-Leh expressway was shut since December 2019 because of substantial snowfall at the Zojila pass, a couple of oil tankers and other significant wares were permitted to move towards Leh/Ladakh from Zojila.

4) ICMR certified DBT-THSTI as COVID-19 Faridabad testing facility:

The Bioassay Laboratory of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of the Faridabad-based Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) has been authorized by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as an augmentation of the diagnostic office of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College.

5) The 101st commemoration of the Jallianwala Bagh slaughter was praised on 13 April 2020:

13 April 2020 denoted the 101st commemoration of the Jallianwala Bagh slaughter, as on that day martyrs who were pitilessly killed in Jallianwala Bagh are remembered and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the honest martyrs who displayed extraordinary boldness and penance.

6) Initiatives to avoid agricultural production being interrupted during lockdown:

A few activities have been initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare to encourage horticulture during lockdown.

-Virtual Private Network (VPN) received the Certificate of Registration for Indigenous Manufacturing, crude materials for modern units engaged with synthetic compounds that are utilized in farming.

-The Kharif Crops-2020 National Conference is to be held on April 16, 2020, by means of video gathering.

– As these routes are to be utilized to supply indispensable wares, for example, agrarian information sources, plant items and dairy items, the Indian Railways lunched 67 new routes for package administrations and services.

7) Rs 5,000 crores transferred for free distribution of LPG under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:

Up to now, India’s administration has allocated Rs 5,000 crores to Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), which is planned to give free LPG cylinders to recipients of PMUY.

8) 6,300 Kendras Janaushadhi running during Lock Down:

Right now, India’s legislature is ensuring that Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendras has satisfactory medicines accessible. There are more than 6,300 Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendras working in the nation to guarantee reasonable medications as the Indian government ensures that moderate medications are accessible in these kendras that the stockrooms will be running 24/7 to manage the present circumstance.

9) Directions from the Supreme Court on Migrant Worker Protection:

The Home Affairs Ministry has advised the states and association regions to make government assistance strides for vagrants (migrants) in the nation based on Supreme Court directions.

10) National Rural Living Project of Women SHGs under the PPEs:

The COVID-19 epidemic has brought an overall unparalleled well-being crisis that has produced tremendous interest for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and face masks and so as to meet these issues, Self-Help Groups spread across India have now joined the manufacture of PPEs and other vital clinical products.

11) Committee of Experts established by UGC:

The University Grants Commission set up a specialist board of trustees on April 12, 2020 to suggest the utilization of e-assets and strengthen the nation’s online instruction framework to support students and instructors invest quality energy building up their aptitudes, skills, tracking innovative work on COVID-19 related arrangements.

12) YUKTI Portal introduced by HRD Ministry:

The Ministry of Human Resources and Development has propelled the YUKTI portal to track activities that are Young India Combating COVID with Information, Technology and Innovation, and the entryway will document, spread and track HRD Ministry activities and other educational foundations in the nation.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) UNIDO is signing MoU with Consumer Unity Trust Society to address the monetary EFFECT of COVD-19:

On April 10, 2020 United Nations Industrial Development Organization, a particular office of the United Nations has inked a MoU with Consumer Unity and Trust Society, a non-benefit association situated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to elevate purchasers to add to the worldwide improvement plan as well as help their separate governments in the midst of worldwide emergency like coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

2) NASA scientists are testing wind velocity on a brown dwarf for the first time:

On April 9, 2020 Wind speed was estimated by the U.S. Space Agency at NASA on a brown dwarf named 2MASS J10475385 + 2124234, 32 light-years from Earth, utilizing Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) of the National Science Foundation and NASA’s as of late resigned infrared observatory and the Spitzer Space Telescope.

3) Google and Apple teams up to build mobile apps for coronavirus touch tracing:

On April 11, 2020, the American worldwide innovation firm Apple Incorporation has collaborated with Google LLC to mutually make a Bluetooth signals coronavirus touch tracing system. 

4) The biggest oil cuts are agreed by OPEC and Russia:

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia have collaborated to cut COVID-19 oil production by 10 percent, which is being done to manage the dropping oil costs amidst lock-down around the world.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
14 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) PM Modi encourages the use of handmade masks:

On April 14, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged everybody to utilize natively constructed masks and remain healthy during the lockdown, which was extended until May 3, 2020 with the goal of increasing mindfulness about the significance of covering the face, regardless of whether with homemade covers or fabric.

2) 7 Main mantras to defeat Covid-19 as PM Modi launches ‘Saptapadi’ to resolve pandemic coronavirus:

On April 14, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broadened across the country lockdown until May 3, 2020 in the wake of considering the ongoing coronavirus epidemic in India and starting at now, the cumulative number of positive instances of coronavirus in India has crossed 10,000. Starting with his discourse by expressing gratitude toward individuals for their disciplined and unified methodology during the lockdown, PM Modi finished up by giving out ‘Saptapadi,’ 7 Mantras or key rules for managing the COVID-19 pandemic effect.

The Seven Mantras or Saptapadi are:

– Take care of senior residents and old people at home particularly those with previous illnesses.

– Follow the rules on lockdown and social distance and use masks that are handmade.

– Strengthen your protection with guidance provided by the AYUSH Ministry.

– Download the Mobile App ‘Aarogya Setu.’

– Support poor and vulnerable families by offering shelter and food.

– Be respectful for your colleagues in our industries and avoid job and salary cuts.

– Display respect for the warriors of the corona like physicians, health practitioners, military officers, police and others.

3) Lockdown extension declared to 3 May and tight surveillance until 20 April:

PM Narendra Modi declared an expansion of the lockdown until 3 May during his address to the country on 14 April 2020 and started his speech by saying that India was largely able to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and furthermore featured the numerous challenges and troubles looked by the residents following the lockdown and valued their endeavors to comply with the lockdown orders.

4) Center passes legislation to provide freedom to States to increase employee working hours:

The Center is to pass a law that will enable the state governments to expand representative working hours across institutions to 12 hours every day from eight hours, planned for settling the issue of labor shortages and empowering organizations to retain social distance.

5) Center to put Rs.1 lakh crore to rural:

The Indian Government intends to infuse Rs.1 lakh crore into towns to improve the rustic economy and has likewise reported a significant buying of grain by legitimate organizations and direct money transfers that will likewise profit ranchers if the lockdown further delays the harvest.

6) Center makes 20 control rooms to manage workers’ pay related complaints:

The Ministry of Labor and Employment has developed 20 control rooms throughout India under the Chief Labor Commissioner’s Office so as to resolve the issues that emerge in the context of COVID-19.

7) CovidGyan, a science-based site, was propelled on COVID-19:

CovidGyan, a site focused on science, was propelled with the objective of bringing the measurable and verifiable parts of the COVID-19 pandemic flare-up to the multi-institutional, multi-lingual science communication public domain. 

8) On 14 April Ambedkar Jayanti is being praised:

Dr. B R Ambedkar’s birthday is commended on April fourteenth and is praised in memory of his various commitments to make India free. Ambedkar Jayanti is also called Bhim Jayanti and India, having praised the birthday of Dr. BR Ambedkar carefully in the midst of the lockdown because of the COVID-19 flare-up.

9) Birupaksha Mishra accepts responsibility as ED of Union Bank of India:

Upon merger with Corporation Bank and Andhra Bank, Shri Birupaksha Mishra took over as Executive Director (ED) of Union Bank of India, and before that he was the ED at Corporation Bank.

10) E-NAM is completing four years of introduction:

On 14 April 2020, the National Agriculture Market Portal, e-NAM, finished four years of implementation planned for accomplishing the “One Country, One Market” Agri-Production dream.

11) The 14th of April is Baisakhi, Rongali Bihu, Naba Barsha, Vaisakhadi, Puthandu:

On the event of Baisakhi on 14 April, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed individuals celebrating Vaisakhi, Vishu, Rongali Bihu, Naba Barsha, Vaisakhadi, Puthandu, Pirappu in various parts of the nation which is a religious celebration celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus.

12) First remote wellbeing checking system has been set up in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand:

It was developed in India by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Rishikesh alongside Bharat Heavy Electronics Limited, a defence segment organization of India Navratna, and the device is required to be utilized in Uttarakhand state to track COVID-19 patients.

13) Siachen Day Celebrated on 13 April:

The Indian Army celebrated Siachen Day on April 13, 2020 and is seen in recognition of the Indian Army’s valiance under “Operation Meghdoot,” as well as honoring Siachen Warriors who effectively guarded country from the foe.

14) At ICMR, Remdesvir is successful in halting COVID-19 replication process:

The Indian Medical Research Council declared on 13 April 2020 that the antiviral drug Remdesvir is highly successful in halting COVID-19 replication.

15) Curbs tightened on imported palm oil:

India fixed its controls on palm oil imports on April 13, 2020 and the approval for palm oil imports ought to be followed by pre-buy understanding under the new conditions.

16) Crude Oil’s First Ship load enters India:

On April 13, 2020, the initial 1 million barrel raw petroleum from the UAE entered India as oil costs have declined by 60% since January 2020 and costs are relied upon to increment as OPEC and Russia having settled to cut their stock by 10%, so now is the opportune time to fill in oil stockpiling.

17) Core Strategy Group founded in the CSIR:

A center system group was established at CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) on April 13, 2020 as the gathering will progress in the direction of fast and practical diagnosis, advanced and atomic monitoring, and medication re-use.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) US permits sales of weapons to India:

On April 14, 2020, the United States endorsed deals of missiles to India which are lightweight Torpedoes rockets and air-propelled Harpoon rockets priced at USD 155 million.

2) In the midst of the Coronavirus crisis, OPEC and Russia agreed to slash crude oil production:

On April 13, 2020, In perspective on the breakdown in oil costs because of the spread of coronavirus, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), an intergovernmental association of 13 countries, and partners like Russia, an alliance known as OPEC+ has consented to cut oil creation by 9.7 million barrels for each day from May 12020 and will proceed through the finish of June 2020.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
11 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) The Indonesian volcano Anak Krakatau suffered the longest eruption:

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano erupted on April 11, with a 500-meter debris fragment showering into the sky and last erupting in 2018.

2) NIPER-G develops revolutionary 3D devices to counter spreading of coronavirus:

Specialists at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati (NIPER-G) created two items called 3D-printed without hands relics and 3D-printed face-shield antimicrobials trying to monitor the spread of novel coronavirus to battle COVID-19 flare-ups.

3) PM Modi consulted with CM to agree to extend the national lockdown to control the spread of COVID-19:

PM Narendra Modi associated with the nation’s CM’s to agree to a further action intend to counter COVID-19 and will comment on whether the 21-day national lockdown would be stretched out past 14 April in a bid to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, as the video gathering was important as the leaders addressed to the augmentation of the total lockdown past 14 April.

4) DST to finance Seagull BioSolutions to develop vaccines:

Seagull BioSolutions Pvt is to be funded by the Science and Technology Department (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Ltd to conduct production of COVID-19 crisis Active Virosome Vaccine and Immunodiagnostic Kits.

5) NIF creates wormivet, a chemical system for the treatment of worms:

National Innovation Foundation India (NIF) has created “wormivet,” an indigenous natural (dewormer) sedate as business items for domesticated animals’ proprietors as the medication would be an option in contrast to the compound technique for worm treatment.

6) SCTIMST to consider improving plasma treatment in patients with COVID-19:

Under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) is to investigate for COVID-19 improving plasma treatment where the Indian Medical Research Council has endorsed the implementation of the novel drug.

7) OFB plans financially smart segregation for wards of isolation:

As a measure to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has built up a financially savvy answer for isolation wards, fumigation chamber, hand sanitizers and face masks.

8) The CCRH arranged a universal online course for homeopathic experts and acknowledged the Telemedicine Guidelines:

On 10 April 2020, the Central Council for Homeopathy Research (CCRH) under the Ministry of AYUSH composed a universal online class on the event of World Homeopathy Day, and more than 1000 members attended the online course on an advanced stage that was likewise live, addressed by Union Minister of State (I/C) AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik.

9) For 6 months NITI Aayog has proposed lowering mandi requirements for farmers:

Considering COVID-19, NITI Aayog prescribed to the legislature that the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act be held in suspended liveliness for the following 6 months, as the suggestion was moved by Ramesh Chand, member and farming arrangement expert.

10) ADB guarantees loans to India of USD 2.2 billion:

India had previously moved toward the Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for advances to counter COVID-19 and, in line with India, the ADB gave USD 2.2 billion to help decrease destitution, as well as handle financial effects on miniaturized scale, medium and small enterprises.

11) TRIFED under Van Dhan Scheme provides marketing assistance to Masks:

India’s Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED), which works under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, is presently offering advertising assistance to recipients of NGOs and Van Dhan as the assistance is being provided to handicrafts, hand-held merchandise and common items.

12) The Indian Government has affirmed Rs.15000 crore for COVID-19 Emergency Response and Preparedness Program for the Health System:

On April 9, 2020, the Indian government affirmed Rs.15000 crores for the ‘India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Program’ to develop wellbeing foundation in states and UTs by March 2024 and out of the 15,000 crore, the Center will allocate Rs.7,774 crore for guaranteed utilization of the COVID-19 Emergency Response Program by June 2020 and the rest will be set for 1-4 years medium-term funding.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) UNSC met for the first time via videoconferencing to examine the effects of COVID-19:

For the first time, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) met with Secretary General Antonio Guterres by means of a videoconference to talk about the effect of COVID-19 on the problems that fall under the command of the UNSC.

SPORTS AFFAIRS:

1) The Indian football team ranked 108th under the ranking of FIFA 2020, and Belgium first:

As indicated by the FIFA (Federation International de Football Association)/Coca-Cola World Ranking 2020 published on April 09, 2020, India’s football team maintained its 108th spot with 1187 points while Belgium ranks first and world champion France is in second position and Brazil is in third place.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
12 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) IIT-Ropar creates a technology-based framework for UV germicidal irradiation to sanitize food products and currency notes:

The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT-) has built up a trunk-framework equipped with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation innovation, which is intended to help counter COVID-19. The system ought to be installed at the doorsteps and to sterilize them all things brought from outside including staple and cash notes must be placed in it.

2) The Government has established 586 COVID-19 devoted medical clinics:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has declared that the Center, in a joint effort with the States, has guaranteed the arrangement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), N95 masks, test packs and ventilators for COVID-19 patients, and has developed committed COVID-19 emergency clinics with a limit of more than 1 lakh insulation beds to provide adequate care.

3) PM Modi conversed with chief ministers about the lockdown plan to counter the COVID-19 pandemic:

PM Narendra Modi talked about the procedure to handle COVID-19 with the Chief Ministers of States by means of video conferencing, as a few States mentioned that the PM broaden the lockdown for two additional weeks and the gathering arrived at accord on expanding the lockdown by an additional fourteen days in the nation, guided all individuals to satisfy their commitments and adhere to the directions for lockdown.

4) 32 crore people are to earn benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Kit:

Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), Center has given over Rs.28,000 crore help by Direct Benefit Transfer to about 32 crore recipients declared considering the COVID-19 pandemic.

5) TRIFED providing masks crafted by tribal craftsmen:

Under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) is to work with the Tribal Artisans, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Van Dhan Beneficiaries and NGOs as TRIFED’s move is to give promoting backing to their hand-held, handicrafted and characteristic items.

6) ‘Wormivet,’ NIF-created home grown medication to treat worms:

The National Innovation Foundation India has built up an indigenous natural drug called Wormivet which is an option in contrast to synthetic strategies ordinarily utilized in the treatment of worms.

7) “World Indian Physicist COVID-19 Collaboration” by Indian Origin Physicians:

Through an activity called “Worldwide Indian Physician COVID-19,” which expects to encourage cross-framework learning, the specialists of Indian descent spread everywhere throughout the world have met up for collaboration through video conferencing to discuss the impacts of COVID 19.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) Easter festival is on April 12:

Easter celebration is observed on 12 April in 2020 as the day differs each year and is seen by Christians around the globe to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after the primary full moon, the Paschal full moon, after the vernal equinox, on Sunday.

2) Worldwide Human Space Flight Day is celebrated on April 12:

On 12 April, the International Day of Human Space Flight remembers the commemoration of Yuri Gagarin’s pioneering space trip in 1961 and is seen as Russia’s Cosmonautics Day, which means to guarantee that nations perceive their capacity to save space for tranquil purposes.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
09 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) Together with AICTE, HRD Ministry propelled “Samadhan” challenge for students battling covid-19:

In partnership with Forge and Innovation Curis, the Ministry of Human Resources Development’s Innovation Cell and All India Council for Technical Education have propelled a mega online test – SAMADHAN – to engage creativity among students with mission to find and implement initiatives for government departments, health services, emergency clinics and other resources to tackle the COVID-19 epidemic and other such disasters in a fast way.

2) NCoVSENSE Module Sponsored by DST to build COVID-19 Rapid Test:

The Department of Science and Technology has sponsored a start-up in health care named “Module Innovations” to create the COVID-19 test pack with the end goal of the unit to make the research faster inside 10 to 15 minutes.

3) CSIR-CECRI accomplices on face shield with 3D Lycan:

CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute at Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu has produced a progression of lab-made Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to counter the COVID-19 pandemic that has collaborated with 3D Lycan, a Bangalore organization to expand Face Shield mass output.

4) Timetabled Parcel Trains are used by Indian Railways to improve the supply chain:

Indian Railways has launched “Timetabled Parcel Train Services” for across the country transportation of basic products and different merchandise to improve the inventory network across the nation amidst the large lockdown as Indian Railways ‘unhindered administrations are relied upon to improve the accessibility of imperative merchandise required for standard individuals, industry and agribusiness.

5) To prepare COVID-WARRIORS, DoPT presents computerized learning portals:

Under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is launching the “iGOT portal,” a learning network for all front-line faculty to counter COVID-19, which will prepare all medicinal services individuals who battles coronavirus in India.

6) PM Modi holds lockdown extension meeting:

PM Narendra Modi held a video gathering on April 8, 2020 with political pioneers addressing the lock-down expansion, which suggested that a large portion of the proposals he got were to prolong the lock-down.

7) Bio Fortified Carrots are grown by scientist-farmers:

Shri Vallabhai Vastambhai Marvaniya, a rancher researcher from Junagadh area, Gujarat has created biofortified carrots called “Madhuban Gajar,” which are rich in β-carotene and iron.

8) Odisha extending nationwide lockdown till April 30:

Throughout the county’s growing number of COVID-19 outbreaks, many state governments have implemented a cluster control plan to curtail disease transmission. Odisha Chief Minister CM Naveen Patnaik has declared that the state-wide lockdown in Odisha will proceed until April 30th, 2020 as the choice was taken as a gathering of the Cabinet of Emergency.

9) The Center expands the seventh Data assortment pattern of the monetary statistics:

In the wake of COVID-19, the information assortment period for the seventh financial enumeration was reached out by a half year until 30 September 2020 as the administration embraced this choice.

10) DGFT imposed export limits on 24 pharmaceutical ingredients and medical goods:

On 6 April 2020 the Department of Commerce and Industry’s Directorate-General for Foreign Trade (DGFT) abolished export limitations on 24 pharmaceutical ingredients including 12 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and 12 plans by practicing the forces conceded by Section 3 of the Foreign Trade Act, 1992.

11) Smart urban areas hold hands with clinical specialists to give online discussion, Ahmedabad as the No.1 Smart City in India:

Savvy urban areas cooperate with qualified specialists and wellbeing specialists to furnish individuals with online clinical consideration offices to keep the social distance standard satisfied amidst COVID-19.

12) Health Ministry to split health care centers into 3 groups for patients with corona:

On April 8, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposed to split the wellbeing habitats into three classifications:

The COVID Care Center, 

Dedicated COVID Health Center

and 

Dedicated COVID Hospital

so as to guarantee full utilization of assets in the treatment of coronavirus patients.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) The SAARC Development Fund provides 5 million USD for COVID-19 ventures:

While trying to lessen the money related misfortunes and extreme financial impacts of the pandemic, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development Fund has distributed USD 5 million for COVID-19 ventures in 8 member nations on April 7, 2020.

STATE AFFAIRS:

1) India registered 40.59 per cent of environmental crimes in Rajasthan during 2014-16:

As indicated by the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report for the year ended March 31, 2018, 40.59 percent of the nation’s environmental crimes were recorded in Rajasthan during 2014-16.

CURRENT AFFAIRS
10 APRIL 2020

BY:GAZAL BHATNAGAR, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

NATIONAL AFFAIRS:

1) The Center approved Rs 15000 crores for the response kit COVID-19 for India:

On April 9, 2020, the Indian government endorsed Rs 15000 crore for India’s “COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package,” with the purpose behind the COVID-19 response package being to fasten crisis reaction to restrict the spread of the infection in India.

2) ICMR announced a new COVID-19 research plan for India:

Indian Medical Research Council has introduced another system for COVID-19 research in India, hot-spots, clusters, huge movement social affairs or evacuees centers that involves every symptomatic person who have undergone foreign travel in the course of 14 days and every single symptomatic contact from lab affirmed cases.

3) Haryana introduced free help line during the Rabi Season to assist ranchers in acquirement:

The Haryana State Government has developed a 24×7 toll free acquirement help office during the Rabi Season 2020 as well as maintaining social distance standards with the objective of facilitating ranchers in these troublesome period of the COVID-19 pandemic during the Rabi acquisition season.

4) HRD minister started online campaign “Bharat Padhe”:

On April 10, 2020, the Ministry of Human Resources Development propelled week-long Bharat Padhe Online campaign to assemble publicly support thoughts for improving India’s online education training system, with the point of welcoming the best recommendations and answers to address online instruction requirements while advancing the computerized instruction stages accessible.

5) Government concerns advice against COVID-19-related social stigma:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Union released a warning encouraging individuals to stop the social stigma encompassing the COVID-19 infection which asserted that the outbreak of transmittable sicknesses can prompt dread and uneasiness prompting bias and social disgrace against people and community networks.

6) India gave Israel a five-ton shipment of medications:

Israeli Prime Minister expressed gratitude toward the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending a five-ton freight of medication to Israel that includes anti- malarial medication  hydroxychloroquine as the five-ton load shipment contains elements for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine medicated drugs that are considered as the most ideal solution for COVID-19 around the world.

7) Haryana has doubled wages for physicians, nurses, medical practitioners in COVID-19 cases:

The state administration of Haryana has declared that the pay of doctors, attendants and other clinical experts managing COVID-19 patients would be doubled as the declaration was made by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

8) DST finances INST Mohali digital nanomaterials:

Specialists and researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali have developed digital structures of super-high piezoelectric nano-materials that can be the structure squares of progressive and revolutionary nano-hardware for some applications, for example, ultrathin, next-generation nano-transistors.

9) ICMR approves the Truenat beta CoV screening test for COVID-19:

The Indian Council Medical Research (ICMR) has approved the Truenat beta CoV test, a COVID-19 tuberculosis testing system in which the throat/nasal swabs are collected in the viral transport medium (VTM) with the infection lysis buffer given alongside the package.

10) To combat coronavirus, CSIR-CMERI creates Disinfection Walkways and Road Sanitizer System:

The CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) has created advancements and items that can help combat the threatening coronavirus, called Disinfection Walkways and Road Sanitizer System.

11) Delhi State Government initiated “Operation Shield”:

On April 9, 2020 the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared Operation Shield in the National Capital Region’s containment areas where SHIELD stands for 

S= Sealing

H= Home quarantine

I= Isolation and tracing

E= Essential supply

L= Local sanitation 

 D=Door-to-door check

12) Indian railways develop ‘CHARAK’ versatile doctor stall for zero-contact check-up:

On April 4, 2020 a portable specialist’s booth named “CHARAK” was established by the West Central Railway Coach Rehabilitation Workshop in Bhopal city of Madhya Pradesh to remove the risk of physical contact between the specialist and the patient contaminated with coronavirus.

13) Hindustan Unilever links with UNICEF to initiate a campaign against coronavirus called ‘BreakTheChain’:

On April 08, 2020, Hindustan Unilever Limited, a British-Dutch assembling organization headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra links with the United Nations Children’s Fund for a mass correspondence battle called ‘BreakTheChain’ or VirusKiKadiTodo ‘headquartered on three subjects – social separating, hand-washing and generosity, to educate and inspire individuals about the Coronavirus outbreak.

14) Center initiated 1st iGOT e-learning gateway of its sort on MHRD’s DIKSHA website:

On April 9, 2020 The Department of Personnel and Training Center unveiled the first of its sort Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) e-learning entryway on the Ministry of Human Resource Development’s Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) stage to improve employees limit working to handle with the COVID-19 pandemic adequately.

WORLD AFFAIRS:

1) Amazon develops a coronavirus research facility for its employees:

Amazon is creating a research center that will allow it to test COVID-19 infection laborers, secure its distribution workers and conveyance drivers who are getting significant merchandise for home sheltered clients, and for this, the organization has appointed a group of researchers, engineers and obtainment experts to develop a lab that will test the predetermined number of workers.

2) China was the top filer of patents through a PCT program:

For the year 2019, China has become the global leader in worldwide patent filings through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) of WIPO, with an aggregate of 58,990 applications exceeding the United States, which had been at the top spot since the PCT started activities in 1978.

SPORTS AFFAIRS:

1) Ben Stokes is the first English player since 2005 to be named by Wisden as the Leading Cricketer:

On April 8, 2020, the Almanac 2020 release of Wisden Cricketers pronounced England’s Ben Stokes and Australia’s Ellyse Perry as the world’s top male and female cricketer.

2) Finalist Donato Sabia, of the Italian Olympic 800 meters, died at 56:

On April 8, 2020, 800-meter finalist Donato Sabia, twice Olympics, and the previous European Indoor Champion died in Potenza, Italy at the age of 56 because of Coronavirus.