1. Government Schemes
Rs 5,000 crores transferred for free delivery of LPG as part of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
Under this scheme, free LPG refills will be provided for three months to Ujjwala beneficiaries during the lockdown There are 8 crore PMUY beneficiaries
Quick Facts: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched in 2016 to boost use of clean fuel for cooking
2. Government Schemes
“Jan Aushadhi Sugam” app launched for medicine delivery
The application helps users to locate nearest Janaushadhi Kendra It also shows a list of available medicines and supports home delivery The aim of the kendras is to provide generic medicines at affordable prices
Quick Facts: Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendras were launched in 2014 with the aim of “Quality Medicines at Affordable prices for all”
3. Science and Technology
Wormivet: Herbal Medication to treat worms
National Innovation Foundation (NIF) India has developed an indigenous herbal medicine called Wormivet It will be used to treat endoparasite worms in livestock A patent has been given to wormivet in the name of Grassroots knowledge
4. Science and Technology
YUKTI Portal launched by Ministry of HRD
YUKTI is Young India Combating COVID with Knowledge, Technology and Innovation. The portal will record, cover and monitor initiatives of MHRD and other educational institutes in the country. It will act as a two-way communication between relevant institutions and MHRD
5. Science and Technology
DST funds development of Active Virosome Vaccine Production
Seagull Biosolutions will develop Active Virosome vaccines and immunodiagnostic kits for COVID-19 A virosome is a drug that consists of unilamellar phospholipid membrane encasing proteins, nucleic acids and drugs. The nature of the membrane boosts fusion with target cells
6. International Affairs
OPEC and Russia approve biggest oil cuts
OPEC and Russia have decided to cut oil output by 10% The production has been decreased to control falling fuel prices Russia had earlier refused to decrease oil cuts to boost its own domestic markets and protect its economy
7. National Affairs
Demarcation of red, orange and green zones under smart lockdown
India may be demarcated into colour zones based on the status of viral outbreak in the region as part of smart lockdown Red zones: Hotspots where no economic activity is to be allowed Orange zones: Limited public transport and farm harvesting is to be allowed Green zones: MSME industries with farm activities will be allowed, with in-house lodging for employees with social distancing
8. National Affairs
Bharat Padhe Online portal launched for sharing of ideas between GoI and academic experts.
MHRD has launched a week long campaign called “Bharat Padhe Online Campaign” The campaign aims to improve online education in India by connecting with experts in the field
