Current Affairs - April 23, 2020 Current Affairs

India and Nepal to fight COVID-19 Pandemic, Ambassador of India to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra handed over 23 tonnes of medicines to Nepal's Minister for Health and Population Bhanubhakta Dhakal in Kathmandu.The package 8.25 lakhs dosage of essential medicines, including 3.2 lakhs dosage of Paracetamol and 2.5 lakhs dosages of Hydroxychloroquine.

Oxford University in London has developed a potential COVID-19 vaccine and the first human trials will begin from April 23, 2020. UK's Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock shared this information during a press briefing on the government's Twitter handle. He assured that the nation is providing all the essential support to the vaccine development teams at Imperial College and Oxford University.

Global Network Against Food Crises report officially released by the UN World Food program. The report indicates around 135 million people across 55 countries and territories experienced acute food insecurity. Around 55 food-crisis countries covered by the report and 75 million children were stunted. 183 million people were classified in Stressed (IPC/CH Phase 2) conditions.

Arogya Setu app helps people self-assess and track COVID-19 infections more accurately and effectively. The government is now working towards procuring thousands of wristbands that will be integrated with the app. These bands will help medical personnel and authorities keep track of the movement of patients in hospitals and those under self-quarantine along with supporting frontline workers to take proper safety measures. The price of these bands will be ranging at around Rs 2200 per piece.

Indian Railways among the organizations started providing 10,000 water bottles per day to Delhi Police personnel out on the streets in the fight against COVID-19. Indian Railways along with IRCTC, RPF and Zonal Railways distributed 50,000 water bottles in New Delhi.

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar took part in an Extraordinary virtual meeting of G-20 Agriculture Ministers. The main aim is to address the issue of COVID-19 impacts on food security, safety, and nutrition.

Facebook announced the investment of Rs. 43,474 crores in Reliance Jio for 9.99% stake on April 22, 2020, making it the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the tech sector. The investment now values Jio platforms at Rs. 4.62 lakh crore. This step will help in achieving the ambitious plan of making India digital.

An ordinance proposing new amendments to the Epidemic Disease Act, 1987 has been approved by the Union Cabinet on April 22, 2020. The amendment ensures the safety of healthcare workers and to end violence against them. It includes the imprisonment of guilty from 6 months to 7 years. The Union Minister Prakash Javadekar shared the news while briefing the media after a cabinet meeting.

Iran successfully launched a military satellite and the first satellite of the Islamic Republic of Iran successfully launched into orbit by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Satellite reached an orbit of 425 kilometers (264 miles) above the Earth's surface. The two-stage launch took place in Iran's Central Desert, The satellite was sent into orbit using a Ghased, or "Messenger," satellite.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) planned to implement the drug, Sepsivac. Cytokines are produced in response to an infection. Cytokines are essential for host defense against pathogens. There are six types of cytokines called cytokine profiles, acts on various pathogens. One of the significant contributors to death by COVID-19 is heightened immune response, called a cytokine storm. The immune system starts attacking both infected and uninfected cells. The drug modulates the immune system of the body, and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)approved the trial, and it will start soon at multiple hospitals.

Adam Higginbotham won William E. Colby Award.

Domestic Udan flights operate in a hub and the main focus has been on the North East Region, island territories and the hill states. Lifeline Udan cargo includes enzymes, medical equipment, testing kits, Personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, gloves by State/UT Governments and postal packets.

Indian herpetologists have discovered a new species of viper family in Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, and the green pit viper species was discovered by a team led by Zeeshan Mirza.

World Press Freedom Index 2020 -India dropped two places on a global press freedom index to be ranked 142nd out of 180 countries in the annual Reporters Without Borders analysis.

US Senate has unanimously approved 484 billion dollars in fresh relief for the economy and hospitals hammered by the coronavirus pandemic. The bill was hurried along shortly after congressional leaders and the White House brokered an agreement.

Uttar Pradesh government ordered complete sealing of the Delhi-Noida border till further orders as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19 infection in Gautam Budhha Nagar district. The final order issued by the District Magistrate, Gautam Buddha Nagar, the COVID-19 related services with a valid pass issued by an authorized official.

Technology Information, Forecasting, and Assessment Council (TIFAC), an autonomous Government of India prepared a white paper to strategize revival of post-COVID 19 Indian economy.

National Highways Authority of India's centralized call number 1033 enabled to answer calls and help drivers/cleaners. The road transport ministry launched a dashboard containing a list of dhabas and truck repair shops. Motto of NHAI is Not just Roads, building a Nation.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to print and electronic media by calling on journalists covering Corona virus-related incidents to take precautions. Around a large number of media, persons have recently contracted COVID-19 while covering the happenings in certain parts of the country. Prakash Javadekar is current Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

Dun & Bradstreet Composite Business Optimism Index at 49.40% for Q2 2020 (April-June); down 37% as compared to the year-ago period.