International Nurses Day is observed on 12 May
International Nurses Day (IND) is observed around the world on 12 May of each year. The international day marks the contributions that nurses make to society. The day assumes more significance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past several months, nurses and other medical professionals have put their lives on the line to save lives and defeat this menace. Theme: The theme for 2020 International Nurses Day is “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health.”
NAL develops BiPAP Non-Invasive Ventilator SwasthVayu in 36 days for coronavirus
CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) Bangalore has developed SwasthVayu, a Non-Invasive Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Ventilator in a record time of 36 days to treat COVID-19 patients. BiPAP Non-Invasive ventilator is a microcontroller-based precise closed-loop adaptive control system with a built-in biocompatible 3D printed manifold & coupler with Highly Efficient Particulate Air Filter (HEPA Filter).
ICMR, NCDC to begin serosurvey to monitor COVID-19 prevalence at district level
Union Health Ministry announced that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has initiated a population-based serosurvey to monitor the trend in the prevalence of the infection at the district level. The two government research bodies will collaborate with key stakeholders for the survey at 10 health facilities, of which 6 are public and 4 are private.
Ministry of MSME launches CHAMPIONS Portal
Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched the CHAMPIONS portal, a Technology-driven Control Room-Cum-Management Information System. The CHAMPIONS stands here for the Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength.
Department of Consumer Affairs partners with Safejob, Seekify for Suraksha Store initiative
The Department of Consumer Affairs has launched the Suraksha Store initiative. Under the initiative, the department has partnered with tech startups Safejob and Seekify to use technology to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the local Kirana store level. The primary objective of the project is to educate Kirana store owners across the country about the COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols that are to be followed while running their businesses.
Bengaluru launched Pranavayu programme to create awareness about examining respiratory health
The Bengaluru city corporation, Karnataka has launched Pranavayu programme to create awareness on the need to self examine the respiratory health for the city people. Pranavayu programme aims to create awareness through advertisements in media about the need to carry out self examination for early detection of any ailment that could aggravate the situation if contracted with the viral infection.
US CDC announces USD 3.6 mn to assist Indias fight against coronavirus pandemic
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced $3.6 million to assist the Indian government’s fight against COVID-19. The fund aims to support prevention, preparedness, and response activities in India. The CDC announced that it is to work with local partners to help India to strengthen its public health workforce.
New 177 mandis integrated with e-NAM platform
The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar launched the integration of 177 new mandis with the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) on 11 May. The move is to strengthen agriculture marketing and facilitate farmers to sell their harvested produce through the online portal. The 177 new mandis are from 10 States and Union Territories (UTs).
Atal Pension Yojana completes five years
Atal Pension Yojana (APY) completed five years of its implementation on 9 May 2020. The scheme has achieved the milestone of 2.23 subscribers so far. Atal Pension Yojana is the government’s flagship social security scheme. APY was launched on 9 May 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The aim of the scheme is to deliver old age income security, particularly to the workers in the unorganized sector.
Madhya Pradesh launched first-ever FIR Aapke Dwar Yojana
Madhya Pradesh state government launched FIR Aapke Dwar Yojana 11 May in Bhopal. With this, Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to implement such an innovative scheme. It was launched by the Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra. Under the scheme, the people would not be required to visit the police station to lodge an FIR.
KVIC Potters using innovative methods to prevent spread of Coronavirus
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Potters are using innovative methods to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Every earthen pot made by the KVIC potters in Kishanganj village of Baran district in Rajasthan carries a message on ways to fight Coronavirus. The aim is to ensure that the message reaches every household and members of the family come across the message every time they drink water from it.
Technology Centres to manufacture critical parts of Real-Time Quantitative Micro PCR System
Technology Centres, Bhubaneswar, Jamshedpur and Kolkata of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) are now manufacturing critical parts of Real-Time Quantitative Micro PCR System for AMTZ, Visakhapatnam. The machine can give the COVID-19 Test result in less than one hour. Generally, the normal test result takes a minimum of 24 hours. These machines are compact and may be taken for testing anywhere, anytime, in real-time.
HRD Minister launched Helpline Bharosa on Cognitive Emotional Rehabilitation Services for University Students of Odisha
Union Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched Central University of Odisha Helpline “Bharosa” and its Helpline Number 08046801010 through a virtual platform in New Delhi on 11 May. The aim is to relieve the distress of the student community during the troubled time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
