Govt hikes MG-NREGS wages in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, average increase of Rs.20

With respect to COVID 19 pandemic, Department of Rural Development, GoI in close collaboration with State Governments has taken various initiatives. Mahatma Gandhi NREGS wages have been revised by Department of Rural Development, GoI with effect from 1stApril, 2020. The average national increase is Rs 20. Focus of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS may be on individual beneficiary-oriented works which directly benefit SC, ST and women headed households as well as small & marginal farmers and other poor households. However, close consultation and guidance of the State as well as district authorities would be necessary to ensure that lock down conditions are not violated and norms of social distancing are scrupulously followed.

Ministry of Rural Development is according top priority to liquidate the wage and material arrears. An amount of Rs. 4,431 crore has been released in this week to various States/UTs to liquidate these liabilities of current fiscal year and the remaining such liabilities along with 1sttranche for the year 2020-21 will be released before 15thApril, 2020. An amount of Rs. 721 crore has been released to State Government of Andhra Pradesh.

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Validity of expired Driving Licences and Vehicle Registration Extended Till June 30

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has extended the validity of documents like driving licenses, permits and registration that expired since February 1. In an advisory to all states and Union Territories, the Ministry has asked them to treat such documents as valid till June 30.

The decision was taken to facilitate people facing difficulties in renewing the validity of various motor vehicle documents due to nationwide lockdown in the country and closure of government transport offices.

The documents include fitness, permits (all types), driving licence, registration or any other concerned document under the Motor Vehicle Rules.

The ministry has requested all states to implement the advisory in "letter and spirit" so that the people and transporters and organisations rendering essential services do not get harassed and face difficulties.

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“Masks for Curbing the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus”

The Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India has issued a detailed manual on homemade masks : “Masks for Curbing the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus”. Quoting the World Health Organization , the manual states that “Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.”

Analyses show that if 50% of the population were to wear masks, only 50% of the population would be infected by the virus. Once 80% of the population wears a mask, the outbreak can be stopped immediately.

On Why Wear a Mask?, it says that “COVID-19 virus spreads easily from person to person contact. Virus carrying droplets dry fast enough to form droplet nuclei and remain airborne eventually landing on different surfaces. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has been detected in aerosols for up to three hours and on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for up to three days. (N.Engl J.Med. 2020)”.

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Sony Pictures Networks India and WWE® Expand Partnership in India

Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited, (SPN) and WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced a five-year extension with an expanded broadcast agreement that will deliver WWE’s weekly flagship programming and localized content in India and the Indian subcontinent, making SPN the exclusive home to WWE in-ring content across its  television and digital platforms.

As part of the agreement, SPN will have the rights to air Raw®, SmackDown®, NXT® as well as WWE pay-per-view specials live on its sports and digital platforms in English, Hindi and regional languages.

The expanded partnership also provides SPN the rights to WWE Network which hosts thousands of hours of content to be made available to audiences in India exclusively through SonyLIV, SPN’s OTT platform. In addition and for the first time, SPN will curate content from WWE’s extensive video library which includes live events, iconic matches, interviews with Legends, reality shows, documentaries and more, on its own platforms. 

WWE will also return to India with even bigger live events and Superstars will visit the region for promotional tours to engage with fans.

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RED FM promises to supply unlimited entertainment while you stay-at-home

93.5 RED FM, one of the largest and most awarded private radio networks, has taken up the responsibility of providing its listeners with surplus entertainment. As part of their national awareness campaign, ‘Care Karona’, RED FM has been encouraging its listeners to stay at home.

As a part of this initiative, RED FM has promised to create engaging content for its listeners that will be leveraged on-air and across their digital media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and the RED FM Podcas and YouTube.

While all RED FM RJs are working from home, they are constantly interacting with experts and renowned personalities, like, Vidya Balan, Miss Malini, Virendra Sehwag, Arjun Kapoor, Yasmin Karachiwala (fitness expert), Manish Malhotra to engage and entertain the audience.  

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Dr. Harsh Vardhan reviews the sampling and testing strategy for COVID 19

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare held a meeting with senior officials of ICMR, Department of Science & Technology, Bio-technology and CSIR to review the sampling and testing strategy for COVID-19, here yesterday. There was an elaborate discussion on the issues like procurement of reagents, website integration, data management and analysis, dashboards, research studies both planned and done so far etc.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan informed that he had a discussion in the morning with Health Ministers of the States/UTs about the actions being taken by Union Health Ministry, reviewed the status of preparedness of States/UTs and assured them with all possible support. He also lauded the States for active surveillance, effective contact tracing and their preparedness for containment and management of COVID-19.

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AWWA provides 3,700 food packets to the needy in Delhi Army Wives Welfare Organisation (AWWA) today handed over 2,500 food packets to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi for distribution to the needy people during lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 1,200 food packets were handed over yesterday. The food packet distribution free of charge will continue for five days. The food packets were prepared under Army’s AWWA Lunch project by families of Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks at their houses in various colonies of Delhi. One of the largest voluntary organisations in the country, the AWWA aims for the holistic development and well-being of Army Wives, including their children, rehabilitation of war widows and differently-abled children. It also takes active participation in the activities of Central and State Governments towards improving the living conditions of the poor.

Army Wives Welfare Organisation (AWWA) today handed over 2,500 food packets to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi for distribution to the needy people during lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some 1,200 food packets were handed over yesterday. The food packet distribution free of charge will continue for five days.

The food packets were prepared under Army’s AWWA Lunch project by families of Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks at their houses in various colonies of Delhi.

One of the largest voluntary organisations in the country, the AWWA aims for the holistic development and well-being of Army Wives, including their children, rehabilitation of war widows and differently-abled children. It also takes active participation in the activities of Central and State Governments towards improving the living conditions of the poor.

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Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

The Empowered Group of Officers 10 constituted under the Disaster Management Act 2005 on Public Grievances and Suggestions to ensure timely implementation of COVID 19 Response Activities met on March 31, 2020 and took the following decisions to identify problem areas and delineate policy, formulate plans and strategize operations and take necessary steps for time bound implementation of decisions. The meeting was attended by Shri Amit Khare, Secretary HRD, Dr. Kshtrapati Shivaji Secretary DARPG, Shri Ashutosh Agnihotri, Joint Secretary MHA, Smt. Meera Mohanty Director Cabinet Secretariat and Senior PMO Officials.

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National Testing Agency postpones Joint Entrance Examination (Main) April-2020

In continuation of PUBLIC NOTICE dated 18.03.2020 issued by the National Testing Agency regarding postponement of the ensuing JEE (Main) April 2020 examinations scheduled on the 5th, 7th to 9th and 11th April 2020, NTA has further notified that as of now the examination is proposed to be held in the last week of May 2020. Exact date will be announced after assessing the situation in the coming weeks.

The National Testing Agency has expressed hope that normalcy will be restored relatively soon; but for now, NTA is closely monitoring the scenario to evaluate if the situation may necessitate any change in the schedule.

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Retirement of Government Servants on 31st March, 2020

In view of the unprecedented situation arising out of country-wide lockdown declared by the Government consequent to the outbreak of COVID-19, it is clarified that the central Government employees who are attaining the age of superannuation on 31st March, 2020 in terms of Fundamental Rule 56 and due to retire, shall retire from Central Government service on 31st March, 2020, irrespective of whether they are working from home or working from office.

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India’s success key to global fight against Corona virus, says Vice President

Vice-President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu has lauded the efforts of the Central and State Governments and the resolve, response and cooperation of the people leading to successful implementation of the first week of the nationwide lockdown announced to contain the spread of Corona virus in the country with a population of 130 crore.
Summing up the outcomes of the first week of lockdown, Shri Naidu noted that the circles, boxes and the lines drawn at grocery stores and vegetable markets to ensure physical distance, government machinery enforcing the lockdown and the Indian jugaad of converting railway wagons into isolation wards, some scientists and organizations quickly designing testing tool kits and ventilators have received global acknowledgment marking appreciation of India’s intent to fight the challenge of the virus, showing the way to others.
Shri Naidu further said that amidst such a massive unprecedented social and physical lockdown across the nation, some issues are bound to arise like that of migrant labourers and farmers during the harvest season and hoped that central and State governments will fix such problems. He noted with satisfaction the supply and availability of essential commodities during this first week. The Vice-President stressed that next two weeks of the lockdown are very crucial in containing the spread of Corona virus and appealed to the people to cooperate with the ongoing efforts with even enhanced resolve and commitment.
Shri Naidu said that given the size of our population and health infrastructure, success of India in fighting the virus holds key to the success of global fight against the killer virus which has already taken a heavy toll of health and wealth across the nations. He asserted that Indians have a certain responsibility towards the fellow human kind and shall be guided by this dharma and act accordingly for our collective triumph in this hour of global crisis.

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Updates on COVID-19

   The prevention, containment and management of COVID-19 in the country are being monitored at the highest level and various actions have been initiated in collaboration with the States. Hon’ble Prime Minister is regularly monitoring and reviewing the situation with top officials of the concerned Ministries/Departments and States/UTs.

 Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has praised the proactive efforts from the representatives of social welfare organisations in spreading awareness, laying emphasis on social distancing, arranging basic necessities for the poor and more to fight the menace of COVID-19. He has also spoken through a video conference with the Heads of all the Embassies and High Commissions of India around the world to discuss the responses of Global COVID-19 pandemic.

  Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare chaired the 10th meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) held today. Sh. Hardeep S. Puri, Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, Sh. Nityananda Rai, Minister of State for Home, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State (I/c), Ministry of Shipping, Chemicals and Fertilisers and Sh. Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Health & Family Welfare, members of the GOM, were present. Various issues related to implementation of the lockdown, the issue of the migrant labourers, containment measures of the emerging hotspots, ensuring adequacy of essential items such as PPEs, masks, ventilators etc., were discussed in detail by the group.

  A Science and Technology Empowered Committee for COVID-19 response has been constituted chaired by Prof Vinod Paul, Member, NITI Aayog and Prof. K Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific adviser to the Govt of India, to coordinate amongst science agencies, scientists, industries and regulatory bodies. The Committee will work with the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Institute for Science (IISC) to take speedy decisions on research and development keeping in view the critical need to increase the testing facilities for COVID-19 disease.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, Pharmaceuticals and the States, is monitoring the requirement of PPEs, masks and ventilators, factories producing essential items and is also coordinating with all the States in rigorously tracing of all contacts so that we ensure to not miss any cases as per our containment strategy.

   Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has uploaded training resources on the website for ANMs, ASHAs, Angawadi workers, AYUSH practitioners, doctors, nurses and other health professionals for field surveillance, supervision, lab testing, clinical management, isolation facility management, intensive care, infection control management, and quarantine facility management for COVID-19 management. Two webinars were conducted by the Ministry of Health on 30th March in which 15,000 nurses were trained online.

   As of now, 1251 confirmed cases and 32 deaths have been reported. During the last 24 hours, 227 new confirmed cases and 3 new deaths have been reported.

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Donation from Bengal Tennis Association for COVID-19

Bengal Tennis Association has decided to contribute an amount of Rupees 1 Lac to West Bengal State Emergency Relief Fund - 2020, through Bengal Olympic Association, in this moment of crisis.

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Bollywood Stars praise Hotstar Specials’ latest show Special Ops

Hotstar Specials recently launched the biggest spy action thriller of 2020 - 'Special Ops'. Directed by Neeraj Pandey and Shivam Nair, this fast-paced 8-episode series is based on the role of Indian intelligence in a series of real terror attacks that India faced over the last 19 years. The show has received a great response from audiences across the country and Bollywood Celebs.  A-list celebrities including the likes of Karan Johar, Manoj Bajpai and Tapsee Panu have raved about the eight-part series.

Hotstar Specials presents Special Ops features an ensemble cast including acclaimed actor Kay Kay Menon along with the powerhouse talents such as Saiyami Kher, Karan Tacker, Divya Dutta, Vinay Pathak, Muzammil Ibrahim, Vipul Gupta, Sajjad Delafrooz, Parmeet Sethi, Gautami Kapoor, Sana Khan, Sharad Kelkar, KP Mukherjee and many others.

    'Special Ops' is based on the role of Indian intelligence in a series of real terror attacks that India faced over the last 19 years starting with the 2001 attack on Indian Parliament, and covers several other events including 26/11 and Kashmir terror attacks. It is about the chase for the single mastermind behind these attacks – making it the longest manhunt in Indian Intelligence for India’s deadliest enemy.

Hotstar Specials presents Specials Ops is now streaming in seven languages on Hotstar VIP.

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2020 LCI International Convention Canceled

The Board of Directors has voted to cancel the 2020 Lions International Convention due to concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This means that the next International Convention will be held in 2021 in Montreal, Canada.  

    Canceling the International Convention for 2020 impacts international officer continuity and candidate elections, informed Dr. Jung-Yul Choi, International President of Lions Clubs International. 

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এক অভিনব রক্তদান শিবির পরিষেবার

এক অভিনব রক্তদান শিবির সংঘটিত হলো বেলঘড়িয়া রথতলায় l  এই রক্তদান শিবির চলবে রিলে সিস্টেমে একদিন পর একদিন করে দশ দিন ধরে করণা ভাইরাসে যখন দেশ রাজ্য বিশ্ব যখন আক্রান্ত সেই সময় আমাদের রাজ্যের কলকাতার মেডিকেল কলেজের ব্লাড ব্যাংক গুলো রক্তশূন্য হয়ে বসতে চলেছে এবং সেন্ট্রাল ব্লাড ব্যাংকের রক্ত শূন্য জায়গায় পৌঁছতে চলে গেছে সেই মুহূর্তে মানুষের পাশে থাকতে বেলঘড়িয়া রথতলা, বিটি রোডের উপরে পরিষেবা এবং এই  সংস্থার মুখ্য সংগঠক সোমনাথ রায় চৌধুরীর উদ্যোগে ,তার ভাবনা থেকেই এই মহতী রক্তদান শিবির  l এই রক্তদান শিবির প্রতিদিন সকাল 11 টার সময় রথতলা মোড় এর পরিষেবা অফিস ঘরেই ,এই রক্তদান শিবির সংগঠিত  কোন মঞ্চ করা হয়নি , হয়নি কোন প্যান্ডেল, নেই কোন মাইকের ব্যবস্থা আরম্ভর তার কোন চিহ্ন নেই এই রক্তদান শিবির  28 শে মার্চ থেকে চলবে 15 এপ্রিল পর্যন্ত একদিন পর একদিন এই রক্তদান শিবির সংঘটিত হবে সদস্যরা তারা নিজেরাই রক্ত দেবে প্রতিদিন 30 জন করে রক্তদান করা হবে lনেই কোন উপহার এর ব্যবস্থা l এই রক্তদান শিবিরে রক্ত সংগ্রহ করতে আসছেন সাগর দত্ত মেডিকেল কলেজের ব্লাড ব্যাঙ্কের কর্মীরা l

 লকডাউন চলাকালীন এক দিন অন্তর রক্তদান শিবিরের বিশেষ আয়োজনে, সমস্ত সরকারি প্রশাসনিক দিক মেনে পরিষেবার প্রধান সোমনাথ রায় চৌধুরী ওরফে বাবুদা জানালেন ক্যান্সার, থ্যালাসেমিয়া আক্রান্ত এবং জরুরী পরিষেবা  সুস্থতার ল(ক্ষ্য আমাদের এই উদ্যোগ l

 এই পরিস্থিতিতে বেলঘড়িয়া , কামারহাটি, দক্ষিণেশ্বরে প্রচুর দিনমজুর অসহায় মানুষ প্রতিদিন চাল, ডাল, আলু, তেল সহ নিত্যপ্রয়োজনীয় জিনিস পরিষেবা পক্ষ থেকে প্রদান করা হচ্ছে। পথচলতি মানুষকে স্যানিটাইজার থেকে শুরু করে অসুস্থ রোগীর সেবায় পরিষেবার এই মহৎ উদ্যোগ। প্রাক্তন মন্ত্রী মদন মিত্র, সাংসদ সৌগত রায়, এবং স্থানীয় পুরপ্রধান গোপাল সাহা কে পাশে পেয়েছি বলে জানালেন পরিষেবার প্রধান উদ্যোক্তা সোমনাথ রায়চৌধুরী। 

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Extraordinary Virtual G-20 Summit

An Extraordinary Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit was convened on 26 March 2020 to discuss the challenges posed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and to forge a global coordinated response. Earlier, PM had a telephonic conversation with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia on this subject.

PM underscored the need to put human beings at the centre of our vision of global prosperity and cooperation, freely and openly share the benefits of medical research and development, develop adaptive, responsive and humane health care systems amongst others.

PM called on the Leaders to help usher in a new globalization, for the collective well-being of humankind and have multilateral fora focus on promoting the shared interests of humanity.

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COVID -19 Economic Response Task Force

To deal with the economic challenges caused by the pandemic, Prime Minister announced the creation of ‘COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force’ under the Union Finance Minister. The Task Force will consult stakeholders, take feedback, on the basis of which decisions will be taken to meet the challenges. The Task Force will also ensure implementation of the decisions taken to meet these challenges.

Prime Minister also urged the business community and higher income groups to look after the economic needs of those from lower income groups, from whom they take various services, urging them not to cut their salary on the days they are unable to render the services due to inability to come to the workplace. He stressed on the importance of humanity during such times.

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PM at the helm of India’s Fight against COVID-19

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is continuing his interactions with various stakeholders in India’s fight against COVID-19.

Prime Minister interacts with over 200 people on a daily basis which includes phone calls to various State Governors, Chief Ministers, and Health Ministers to get a first-hand feedback on India’s fight against the COVID-19 menace.

Prime Minister also telephonically reaches out to various doctors, nurses, health workers, and sanitation staff from various corners of the country in order to encourage them and to pay gratitude to their yeomen service to the nation and society.

Shri Modi also interacts with people from various walks of life through video conferencing in an effort to control the spread of the Corona virus

Shri Modi has held discussions through video conferencing with the heads of various Electronic Media groups. He interacted with the heads of various Print Media Groups on the 24th March.

Prime Minister in both the cases appealed that media should counter pessimism and panic through positive communication.

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SAARC Region comes together

Prime Minister is the first leader to have suggested for a regional consultation and discussion when he called for a video conference with the leaders of the SAARC Nations, home to significant portion of the World’s population. A meeting of the SAARC leaders under India’s leadership was held on the 15th of March 2020.

Shri Modi led the way, in the spirit of collaboration and proposed creation of a COVID-19 Emergency Fund based on voluntary contributions from all the countries, with India making an initial offer of US $10 million for the fund. The fund can be used by any of the partner countries to meet the cost of immediate actions.

Other SAARC Nations viz Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives have also contributed to the Emergency Fund.

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IHRCCO Fights against Covid-19

कोरोना वायरस के लड़ाई में अपनी जान की परवाह न करते हुवे उत्तर प्रदेश के झांसी से अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मानवाधिकार एवं अपराध नियंत्रण संगठन के झांसी जिलाध्यक्ष श्री डॉ वी के निरंजन जी अपनी टीम के साथ पुलिस प्रशासन के कन्धे से कंधा मिलाकर कोरोना वायरस से लड़ने के लिये माक्स सेनेटाइजर वितरण कर रहे हैं और उनकी टीम दुवारा आम जनमानस को भी वितरण किया जा रहा है संगठन के ब्रांड एम्बेसडर एवं चैयरमेन श्री पं मोहित नवांनी जी उनके इस जनहित कार्य के लिये उनको और उनकी टीम को बधाई दी।।
 IHRCCO Chief Pt. Mohit Navani declares- हम देश के हर नागरिक के साथ खड़े है मानवाधिकारों की रक्षा के लिये ।। 

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Offers from Ministry of Railways

In a bid to reduce the hardships and protect the interests of contractual and outsourced staff engaged in providing services such as On Board House Keeping services (OBHS) in trains, sanitation, pantry cars, stations, offices and other commercial activities, Ministry of Railways has decided that such staff will be treated 'on duty' and be paid accordingly till the expiry of suspension of services/lockdown or as advised by Central Government in this regard. This is applicable on contracts awarded on manpower basis. For contracts awarded on lumpsum basis (i.e. not on manpower basis), maximum payment which may be made shall be limited to 70% of the contract value.

This move is likely to benefit at least 50,000 contractual & outsourced employees involved in providing services all over the Indian Railways.

Railway Board has issued necessary instructions to Zonal Railways to ensure that the contractual staff and outsourced employees are not retrenched due to the suspension of services/lockdown.

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RBI's Package

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reduced the Repo Rate by 75 basis points to 4.4% and Reverse Repo Rate by 90 basis points to 4%. This has been declared by RBI Governor Shri Shaktikanta Das in a press conference, here today (March 27, 2020). He further stated that CRR of all banks is to be reduced by 100 basis points to 3% with effect from 28 March for one year. These measures will inject liquidity of Rs 3.74 lakh crore to the system. 

In another major announcement, the Governor said, all commercial banks (including regional rural banks, small finance banks and local area banks), co-operative banks, all-India Financial Institutions, and NBFCs (including housing finance companies and micro-finance institutions), that is, lending institutions, are being permitted to allow a moratorium of three months on payment of installments in respect of all term loans outstanding as on March 1, 2020.                                                                                             

Further, the Governor announced that, in respect of working capital facilities sanctioned in the form of cash credit/overdraft, lending institutions are being permitted to allow a deferment of three months on payment of interest in respect of all such facilities outstanding as on March 1, 2020. The accumulated interest for the period will be paid after the expiry of the deferment period. Also, the moratorium on term loans and the deferring of interest payments on working capital will not result in asset classification downgrade.

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Food Distribution by Lions

Lions Club of Calcutta Kankurgachhi, in association with Shivohum Balaji Seva Trust & Kolkata Police, had distributed 1500 Rotis on 27th March morning to the needy & hungry people under the guidance of Phoolbagan P.S. and in presence of our Honourable Minister, Shri Sadhan Pandey & Councillor Smt. Sunanda Guha. 

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FPAI fights against Covid-19

Family Planning Association of India (FPAI), Kolkata is fighting against COVID-19 pandemic. FPAI members are working tirelessly under the leadership of Supratip Mazumdar, Branch Manager, Kolkata.

  FPAI's clinical work is appreciated and encouraged at highest levels. Dr. Sumita Ghosh, Additional Commissioner, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare commends the great work of FPAI during this time of crisis. 

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PRESIDENT MEET

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind along with the Vice President of India, interacts with the Governors, Lt Governors and Administrators of all the States and Union Territories on issues related to COVID-19 at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 27.03.2020.

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কোরোনা আতঙ্কের মধ্যেই কোলকাতায় অনুষ্ঠিত হলো মুখে মাস্ক পরে ফ্যাশান শো

এতদিন করোনা ভাইরাস কবিড ১৯ বিদেশে মহামারীর থাবা বসাচ্ছে ,সে খবর পেতাম সংবাদমাধ্যমে। এখন যা আমাদের  দেশেও হাজির হয়েছে। এই নেতিবাচক পরিস্থিতির মধ্যেই করোনা ভাইরাসের হাত থেকে মুক্ত থাকতে জনসচেতনতামূলক প্রচার চালাতে এক বিশেষ ফ্যাশন শো 'র ব্যবস্থা হয়।যেখানে অংশগ্রহনকারী আট থেকে মাঝবয়সি সব প্রতিযোগী মাস্ক ব্যবহার করে  রাম্পে হাঁটেন। বার বার হাত ধুয়ে পরিচ্ছন্নতা বজায় রাখেন। ২০১৯ এর মিসেস এশিয়া কন্টিনেন্ট মুকুট বিজয়ী হিনা কৌসরের পিঙ্ক রোজেজস এন্টারটেনমেন্ট সংস্থা অনুষ্ঠানটির আয়োজক।

দ্বিতীয়বার আয়োজিত এই অনুষ্ঠানে  ও কিডস ফ্যাশনে বিশেষ অতিথি হিসেবে হাজির ছিলেন বলিউড অভিনেতা বরুণ সুরি, বিখ্যাত অভিনেতা  রাহুল রায়, গ্রুমার,একটর,ফিটনেস এক্সপার্ট সাব্বির আলি,  গ্রুমার নবীন ছাজার, মেকাপ পার্টনার প্রতিভা জয়সয়াল, ড্রেস ডিজাইনার পার্টনার  নাফিসা খান, ফটোগ্রাফার পার্টনার অভিজিৎ কুন্ডু প্রমুখ।

এই অনুষ্ঠানে দেশের বিভিন্ন শহর থেকে প্রতিযোগীরা অংশ নেন। এদের মধ্যে ছিলেন, মিস্ ইন্ডিয়া বিজয়ী মধুরিমা মন্ডল, রানারআপ প্রকৃতি জয় সয়াল, সেকেন্ড রানারআপ সত্যা দাস,মিসেস ইন্ডিয়া বিজেতা লাবণী দাস,রানারআপ রূপালী রাহা বিশ্বাস, সেকেন্ড রানারআপ লিপিকা শীল।

কিডস ফ্যাশন শো বিজেতা সুকেশী আনন্দ,রানারআপ গজল সোনি, সেকেন্ড রানার আপ পূজা আর থরানী,কিডস তিন বিজেতা প্রিয়লক্ষ্মী ভুঁইয়া। উপস্থিত দর্শকদের তুমুল উৎসাহ ছিল এই  অনুষ্ঠানটিকে ঘিরে। 

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Vice President appeals to Rajya Sabha MPs to contribute from MPLADS funds to combat COVID-19

The Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has appealed to all Members of Parliament to contribute at least Rs. 1 crore initially from their MPLADS funds to supplement the Government’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlighting the requirement of the enormous amount of resources-financial, material and human- to successfully combat COVID-19, Shri Naidu said the Government of India is pooling financial resources from various avenues to augment the availability of funds at the national, state and district levels.

Meanwhile, the Vice President also urged individuals to come forward and contribute to the PM-CARES Fund to strengthen disaster management capacities. While appreciating various civil society organizations for providing help to the needy and poor in this hour of crisis, he appealed to people to stay safe and healthy and strictly follow the guidelines issued by the government.

He also appreciated the gesture of people from various walks of life in contributing towards to the PM-CARES Fund and appealed to all to come forward and donate to this noble cause, while reminding everyone of India’s age-old tradition of share and care, which is the core of our philosophy.

Appealing to one and all to take care of the stranded migrant labour in their areas, Shri Naidu requested state governments, voluntary and philanthropic bodies to provide them with food and shelter. He also wanted the agencies which hired the migrant labour to come to their rescue.

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HR Sampark connects 120 Heart – Heads – Hands at its Wellness Conclave 2020 for a Healthier and Happier Kolkata

HR Sampark, a Kolkata based Trust founded by a team of professionals with backgrounds in HR, training-coaching-mentoring, entrepreneurship, academics came together at Hotel Hindusthan International on 8th Feb with a Wellness Conclave. It was an attempt to project how physical, social, mental & financial well-being are capable of making our workplaces and society at large a better place to live in. 

    HR Sampark, completing two years now, is a platform for professionals to network and carve out a niche in the city with its various outreach programs in CSR, industry-academia, Knowledge Sharing  etc.

Hon Chief Guest, Ms. Alokananda Ray, stressed on how feeling happy is a self-controlled decision. We should choose to be happy, be empathic and less judgemental towards others.

    Speaking at Sampark’s Wellness Conclave, Mr. Nihar Ranjan Ghosh, President HR, Emami Ltd. said, "An employee looks for utilitarian, expressive and emotional benefits from the organization he works in. And organizations by including wellness strategy in their business strategy can foster the sense of emotional well-being to a significant extent."

     “We conduct health check–ups and celebrate internal champions, incentivizing employees based on their physical and mental agility," said Mr. Ravinder Saini, Talent Management, PMS & New Initiatives, L&T.

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Milaap enables unity against Covid-19

The pandemic Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has infected about 4 lakhs people worldwide, killing more than 17,000.

    In India, it also slowly getting out of hand, infecting hundreds.  The nation is now under a lockdown for 21 days.  However, there are many people in our society like doctors, nurses, delivery staff, conservancy workers (garbage/waste segregators) and field volunteers, among others, still working tirelessly to ensure our societal needs are met: often at the risk of their personal safety.  Moreover, with the increasing number of people being tested positive worldwide, it’s also important to remember that not everyone can remain in quarantine without their lives being completely upturned. The financial impact of the pandemic, especially on blue-collar workers and families that survive on a daily wage, is far reaching. 

This Sunday, on March 22, 2020, Milaap, South Asia’s largest crowdfunding platform, opened itself up for fundraisers around Covid-19. In an attempt to help those whose lives have been worst affected by the pandemic, a separate page, milaap.org/covid19 has been launched. The causes range from providing essentials to nearby slums in bigger cities to equipping doctors/their social initiatives with protective gear, and even ventilators for smaller hospitals without the facility. 

    While renowned people like Luis Miranda and Venkat Iyer have set up fundraisers on one hand, there are many regular individuals who are raising funds to support particular families in distress around them. In the spirit of global solidarity, Milaap has waived off their platform fee completely for all fundraisers under this cause, informed Mayukh Choudhury, CEO and Co-Founder of Milaap 

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CCMB may soon come up with diagnostic kits for Covid-19

To combat Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) insists that widescale “testing, testing, and testing” is the key as early diagnosis may help save lives. Aligning with the call of WHO, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is working overtime on the development of cost-effective and accurate diagnostic kits for wide distribution.

“We are helping our incubating companies; they have come out with ideas and we are supporting them. We are testing and validating the diagnostic kits proposed by them. We may come up with some good kits and it may take at least 2-3 weeks if everything goes well. Quality and accuracy of the kits are the most important things. If the kits give 100 percent results, then only they will be approved,” said Dr R K Mishra, Director, CCMB.

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SER's Transportation of Essential Commodities

In spite of countrywide lockdown and so many restrictions to prevent spread of COVID-19, South Eastern Railway has ensured the supply and transportation of essential commodities to different parts of the country by running goods trains round the clock. 74 rakes were loaded yesterday which include 15 rakes of coal as essential commodities and transported to different parts of the country. The main components of loading were petroleum, coal, iron ore, steel, cement etc. To keep the power generation houses operational during the lockdown, uninterrupted supply of coal to power houses are also being done by SER on priority. Today 4 rakes containing Salt, 2 coal rakes, 3 Petroleum rakes are under process of unloading in different stations of South Eastern Railway. Moreover, 140 rakes carrying essential and other commodities are to be moved today towards different destinations of the country. Officials engaged with Freight Operations and other concerned departments are working round the clock to keep the supply chain steady. 

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Comprehensive Disability Inclusive Guidelines

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has issued “Comprehensive Disability Inclusive Guidelines” to States and Union territories for protection and safety of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in light of Pandemic Covid-19 (Corona Virus). In view of the pandemic situation due to the outbreak and rapid spread of COVID19 across the world, the public health has been endangered both nationally and internationally, necessitating urgent measures on the part of both the Central and State Governments, aimed at containing the spread of the disease. The Government of India has declared the situation arising out of COVID 19 as a National Disaster and necessary guidelines have been issued under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005.

While COVID 19 is impacting the entire population, persons with disabilities are more vulnerable to the disease due to their physical, sensory and cognitive limitations. As such, there is a need to understand their disability specific requirements, daily living activities and take appropriate and timely measures to ensure their protection and safety during situations of risk. 

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RED FM encourages ‘social distancing’ & ‘stay at home’ amid ‘Coronavirus Pandemic’

After launching a national awareness campaign ‘Care Karona’, one of the largest and most awarded private radio networks in India, 93.5 RED FM is now urging people to practice social distancing amid Coronavirus Pandemic and stay at home. RED FM has come-up with a creative rendition of its logo to emphasize on the importance of social distancing.

RED FM’s ‘Care Karona’ initiative was launched to spread authentic information in this crucial period, which involved on-air and digital engagements. RED FM  has continued to roll out creative communication and advertisements supporting “Social Distancing’ and ‘Work from Home’. Their latest piece highlights that copywriter and art director created the ad while working from home. The ad therefore, encourages everyone reading it to stay at home and follow social distancing. 

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All operating locations of IndianOil functioning normally

All operating locations of IndianOil – bulk storage points, LPG distributorships and fuel stations – are functioning normally under the advisory of their respective State Governments/local administrations for maintaining essential services of petroleum products to the public.

The Corporation’s terminals & depots, LPG distributorships and fuel stations are well-stocked with petrol, diesel and LPG, and there is no shortage of essential products. Customers are advised not to panic, or resort to hoarding and panic- buying.

As compared to that of auto-fuels and ATF, the demand for LPG has seen a marginal increase in March 2020 (as on date) vis-a-vis LPG demand in the month of February 2020.  For the past 10 days, IndianOil has been delivering on an  average  25  lakh  cylinders  every  day  to  the  doorsteps  of  its  customers. 

LPG customers are, therefore, advised not to resort to panic-booking or visit the showrooms and godowns of their LPG distributorships for obtaining refills. 

All 119 Aviation Fuel Stations of IndianOil across the country are operating with optimum strength and full safety precautions to meet the aviation fuel (ATF) needs of Defence aircraft, cargo flights and medical ambulances.

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Hand Sanitizer Making Workshop

J.K. Protomax Pvt. Ltd.,  in association with Talbanda Bodai Industries Association in collaboration with Self Group Ananda Dhara under Bilkanda-1 Gram Panchayat organised a Workshop on Hand Making Sanitizer on  25 March with 25 ladies undertaking the learning procedure. This was held at the Industrial Estate premises, under the direct supervision of Shri Manish Goyal, Promoter of J.K.Protomax Pvt Ltd  in the Presence of area B.D.O Smt Anamika Saha Bera & Smt Supriya Ghosh, Panchayat Pradhan of  Bilkanda-1 Gram Panchayat. 

The Kolkata based company is engaged in manufacturing of paints. They were already dealing in many different types of chemicals.  So when faced with this crisis called Corona, they decided to make some Hand Sanitisers for their own employees. Soon the word spread and they started getting calls from everyone requesting a few bottles.

Fully aware of the enormous shortage and black marketing in the market, they decided to continue production and distribute it free of cost. Recently they distributed 1400 bottles in the factory area in Sodepur. All together they have distributed around 20000 bottles in the last one week, all over Bengal.

Many people and organisations came forward to help them in this endeavor. Talbanda Bodai Industries Association provided them hygienic space free of cost to carry on the production. Members of Indian Small Scale Paint Association helped them with the formulation and the sourcing of materials. Many vendors agreed to supply raw material at subsidized rates.

The Block Development Office of the area Mrs. Anamika  Saha Bera, came to know about this initiative. She was highly impressed and decided to encourage such deeds, requesting the company to provide training for making hand santinizers to the local youths, which Manish Goyal the company's promoter  agreed to give training, so that they can make it locally.

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Finance Minister announces Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package

The Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Niramla Sitharaman today announced Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against Corona Virus. While addressing the press conference here today, Smt. Sitharaman said “Today’s measures are intended at reaching out to the poorest of the poor, with food and money in hands, so that they do not face difficulties in buying essential supplies and meeting essential needs.”

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Distribution of Foods for Kids

On the auspicious first day of Chaitra Navratri, Kiran Tiwari Bhuwalka, President, Lions Club of Kolkata Sunshine, had distributed groceries, veggies, muri, shampoo, oil, sanitizers, cartons of eggs, etc. to ASHA DHAM  (Sisters of the Cross) where more than 25 kids were waiting for the arrangement of basic food supplies.    

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Rosy Misra from West Bengal become favorite face on VMate App

VMate, the leading short video platform in India offers users to express themselves in the most unique way.Rosy Misra has started using VMate around 9 months ago and since then has been gaining popularity with her quirky videos. She has explored other short video making platforms as well, but prefer VMate and focus on creating and posting videos on this app only. With 143.6k followers, she shows her true self to her followers and posts unconventional content.

Rosy Misra focuses on her journey with VMate App during an exclusive interaction with 'Hello Kolkata' -

Q- How did you come to know about VMatefor the first time?

Ans- Another VMate fashion creator Mitu, who lives close to me had suggested I make videos on this app. I made one video that got viral almost in a day and received a call from VMate within two days to become a talent candidate. This was somewhere around June, 2019 and I haven’t looked back since.

Q- Did you recommend the app to your families and friends? Why?

Ans- Yes, I always recommend the app to my friends and this has in fact helped quite a few of my friends who are now talents on VMate and also earn through it.

Q- Where do you get ideas for your videos?

Ans-While watching other creators videos on VMate, it served as an inspiration initially. However, I always believed in creating my own original content. I also never practice for my performance and all I do is think about an idea, dress up for the act and perform in front of the camera.

Q- How often do you shoot? How long do you shoot for?

Ans- I shoot between 9 to 5 pm continuously without eating anything in between. For me, meals and other commitments can wait, and during those specific hours in the day, it’s all about making creative videos.

Q- How has your life changed since you started to use VMate?

Ans- The biggest change in my life has been that people recognize me now. I have become a known face in my area and that feels good.  VMate has been very rewarding for me and has skyrocketed me to fame.

Q- What are your future goals?

Ans- I want to work both in the fashion and acting industry.

Q- What is your dream?

Ans- I want to walk on a big stage as a model at a high profile fashion show.

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SER's initiative to curb Covid-19

During the lockdown to prevent spread of COVID-19, South Eastern Railway has started the process to sanitise all railway stations over its jurisdiction one by one on war footing basis. All offices of SER are also being sanitised including offices which are open for uninterrupted freight movement to transport and supply essential commodities to different parts of the country.
Bare minimum staff are kept on duty in control offices, stations and sheds who are specifically needed to make sure that the movement of freight trains carrying essential commodities does not suffer.  Yesterday SER has loaded 93 freight trains which include coal for power generation sectors. Adequate health safety measures have been adopted for the staff called for duties to run freight trains of essential commodities.
Staff who are specifically required to run freight trains are counselled to take proper safety precautions. SER hospitals are being developed further to combat with any adverse situation, if arises, due to COVID-19. Hand Sanitisers and Mask are made in house by SER at its different establishments to meet the demand of same for the safety of staff attending railway establishments during this crucial period.

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EPFO issues Directions for timely credit of monthly Pension to EPS Pensioners

EPFO is disbursing monthly pension to more than 65 Lakh pensioners every month under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995.

 Due to the corona virus pandemic, lock down has been declared in various parts of the country.  In order to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the pensioners on account of the prevalent situation, Central Provident Fund Commissioner has directed the field offices of EPFO to generate and reconcile pensioners’ details and pension amount statements for the current month by 25th March, 2020.  He further directed that the same should be forwarded to the banks in advance so that the monthly pension is credited into the account of the pensioners in time i.e. during the month of March itself.

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