Coronavirus India Live Updates: Gujarat case count crosses 2,000-mark; India tally tops 18,000

Latest updates on the coronavirus crisis

• One more person tests positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya, raising the number of active cases to 11 in the state.
• Delhi govt will conduct COVID-19 test on media persons in the national capital, CM Arvind Kejriwal says.
• Sri Lanka postpones parliamentary poll for nearly 2 months due to COVID-19 outbreak.
• Chinese medics may be injected with newly developed COVID19 vaccine by year-end, Health officials say.
• New York city is forming a new response unit to address anti-Asian harassment amid COVID-19.
• Rajasthan records 52 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the state's virus tally to 1,628
• COVID-19 death toll rises to 590 in the country as the number of cases climb to 18,601, Health Ministry says.
• One more person tests positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya, raising the number of active cases to 11 in the state.

NHPC wins bid for solar project

An e-reverse auction was completed by NHPC for developing a 2,000-MW Grid Connected Solar photo voltaic project. Around seven bidders took part in the e-reverse auction coming for an aggregate capacity of 3,140 MW.

As per company statement, “Against the total allocated capacity of 2,000 MW, lowest tariff of Rs 2.55 (US$ 0.03) a unit to Rs 2.56 (US$ 0.03) a unit was achieved against the initial quoted tariff of Rs 2.71 (US$ 0.038) a unit to Rs 2.78 (US$ 0.039) a unit. Despite complete lockdown in India due to Covid-19, NHPC successfully completed the e-reverse auction.”

Indian Railways crosses 2 million mark in distribution of free meals

Distribution of free hot cooked meals by Indian Railways during the national lockdown due to COVID-19 crossed the two million mark today with a total of more than 20.5 lacs.

The global pandemic has created unprecedented situations leaving large number of people vulnerable to hunger. Those worst hit by this pandemic and lockdown are stranded persons, daily wage labourers, migrants, children, coolies, homeless, the poor and many who form the floating population.

Indian Railways staff from number of Railway organizations have worked tirelessly since 28th March 2020 to provide hot cooked meals to needy people after the lockdown due to COVID-19. Railways has been providing bulk cooked food with paper plates for lunch and food packets for dinner through IRCTC base kitchens, RPF resources and contribution of NGOs. While delivering the food to needy persons, social distancing and hygiene is being observed.

Distribution of food is being done with the help of RPF, GRP, commercial departments of Zones, State Governments, District administrations and NGOs, even beyond the station vicinity to cater to the food requirements of needy people in areas surrounding the railway stations.

With the active cooperation of IRCTC base kitchens in New Delhi, Bangalore, Hubli, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad, Bhusaval, Howrah, Patna, Gaya, Ranchi, Katihar, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar, Balasore, Vijaywada, Khurda, Katpadi, Tiruchirapalli, Dhanbad, Guwahati, Samastipur, Prayagraj, Itarsi, Vishakhapatnam, Chengalpatu, Pune, Hajipur, Raipur and Tatanagar spread over various zones such as Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern and South Central, more than 20.5.lacs cooked meals have been distributed till today 20th April 2020.

Of these, about 11.6 lacs cooked meals have been provided by IRCTC, about 3.6 lacs meals have been provided by RPF from its own resources, about 1.5 lacs meals have been provided by Commercial and other departments of Railways and nearly 3.8 lacs meals have been donated by NGOs working with the Railway organizations.

The Railway Protection Force has played a major role in the food distribution to needy people prepared by IRCTC, other Railway departments, NGOs and from its own kitchens. Starting with distribution of food to 5419 needy persons over 74 locations on 28.03.2020, the number has grown daily. Presently about 50000 persons daily are being provided meals on an average by RPF across approximately 300 locations across the country.

In order to help as many people as possible, Indian Railway organizations have teamed up to feed hot cooked meals and hope to thousands of people every day.

BRO constructs bridge in record time on a key road connecting strategic areas in Arunachal Pradesh

Even through there is nationwide lockdown Daporijo bridge over Subansiri river has been constructed by Border Roads Organisation (BRO), keeping in mind utmost precautions against COVID-19 so as to connect this strategic Line of Communication in Arunachal Pradesh.

Bridge on Daporijo River is a strategic link towards the LAC between India and China. All supplies, rations, constructional material and medicines pass over this bridge. Old Bridge developed cracks which could lead to a major catastrophe like on 26 Jul 1992 when a passenger bus fell off the bridge leaving no survivors. With the intervention of DGBR and CE Arunank expeditious sanctions were obtained from the MoD and Arunachal Government. The difficult and dangerous launch was completed in record time adhering to all COVID-19 precautions. 

Work had started for construction of the bridge on March 17, 2020 by 23 BRTF. Finally, after 27 days on April 14, 2020 the bridge was jacked down successfully and safely on the supports. It has been successfully upgraded from class 24 tons to class 40 tons thereby allowing heavier vehicles to pass catering for not only Army requirements but the future Infrastructure development requirements of Upper Subansiri district.  

Chief Minister of Arunachal Shri Pema Khandu inaugurated it over video conferencing and open for traffic movement from today.                                                                                                             

Safe and early execution of the bridge represents the seamless coordination and cooperation between the BRO, MoD and Arunachal Government.

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman attends the 5th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of New Development Bank through video-conference

Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman attended the 5th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of New Development Bank through video-conference in New Delhi today.

The NDB was established by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in 2014. The purpose of the Bank is to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries to complement the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. NDB has so far approved 14 projects of India for an amount of US$ 4,183 million.

In her opening remarks at the meeting, the Finance Minister commended the NDB’s efforts in establishing itself as a credible Global Financial Institution, delivering its mandate successfully by taking more sustainable and inclusive approach.

On the discussion of COVID-19, Smt Sitharaman appreciated NDB’s effort on fast tracking of financial assistance of about US$ 5 billion to BRICS countries including Emergency Assistance of US$ 1 billion India to combat COVID-19 pandemic. She also suggested that, assistance under this facility to be enhanced to US$ 10 billion. She mentioned about Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s initiative of creating a COVID-19 Emergency Fund and India’s efforts in supplying critical medicine to the needy countries to tackle the COVID-19. The Finance Minister of Brazil thanked India for the timely help it received from India in the form of critical drugs.

Smt Sitharaman also outlined various measures taken in India to respond to the COVID-19, includes, allocation of US$ 2 Billion (Rs 15,000 crore) by the Government of India for strengthening the healthcare system;  announcement of a scheme of social support measures amounting to US$ 25 Billion to alleviate the hardship of the poor and the vulnerable; insurance cover of US$ 67,000 (Rs 50 lakh) per person to over 2.2 million frontline health workers and others provision of relief to firms in statutory and regulatory compliance matters; easing of monetary policy by the RBI.

She also strongly encouraged NDB to take appropriate actions to join G-20 forum along with other Multilateral Development Bank (MDBs)/International Financial Institutions (IFIs). Finally, she urged NDB to follow innovative practices in supporting the BRICS nations for achieving their Sustainable Development Goals.

Under PM-KISAN Scheme Rs 17,793 crore released for 8.89 crore farmer families during the lockdown; About 19.50 crore households to be distributed pulses under PMGKY

The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Government of India is taking several measures to facilitate the farmers and farming activities at field level during the lockdown period. The updated status is given below:

• Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme during the lockdown period from 24.3.2020 till date, about 8.89 crore farmer families have been benefitted and an amount of Rs 17,793 crore (US$ 2.55 billion) has been released so far.
• In order to provide food security during the prevailing situation due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has decided to distribute pulses to the eligible households under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PM-GKY). About 107,077.85 MT pulses have so far been issued to the States/UTs.
• Under PMGKY, the States/UTs namely A&N, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat have commenced the distribution of pulses to the beneficiaries. Other States like Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have received the partial stock and will commence the distribution to the beneficiaries in phased manner as per their plan.
• The distribution of pulses under PMGKY is to benefit around 19.50 crore household spread across 36 States and Union territories.

Coal stocks at power plants increase by 77 per cent to 34.25 MT: Pralhad Joshi

Coal stocks at power plants peaked to 34.25 million tonnes on January 26, equivalent to 19 days' consumption, and up by 77 per cent as against 19.36 million tonnes, equivalent to 12 days' consumption at the same time last year.

"Thrust has been also given to augment coal supplies to non-power sector by holding regular auction for coal linkages where the consumers have been given the flexibility to choose nearest mine, quality (grade, size) etc. To facilitate easy availability of coal to all the sectors, Coal Companies are also offering increased coal under spot and exclusive e-auction." Union Coal Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi said in a reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The Minister informed that various steps have been taken to ensure the easy and adequate availability of coal to every coal dependent industries/Power Sector. The power houses in close vicinity of the coalfields were offered coal for enhanced lifting of coal through captive mode (like Belt Piped Conveyor (BPC), Merry-go-Round (MGR) etc.) and road modes. For augmentation of supplies, the power houses were advised to move coal through Goods Sheds by Road-cum-Rail (RCR)mode. Efforts were made to enhance supplies through captive modes of transport like MGR, Belts, Ropeways etc. Supplies of coal to power houses through all modes were prioritized. Rationalization of Linkages were ensured to reduce transportation cost.

The Coal and Mines Minister further added that the recently promulgated 'Mineral Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020' has brought amendment in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 [CMSP Act] to allow wider participation and competition in auctions. The companies which do not possess any prior coal mining experience in India can now participate in auction of coal blocks. Any company selected through auction/allotment can carry on coal mining operation for own consumption, sale or for any other purposes, as may be specified by the Central Government.

The Minister also informed that Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted Environmental Clearances to 13 coal projects during calendar year 2019. About 4 to 6 billion tonnes of proved coal resources are added in a year and the proved coal resources in the country are about 155.6 billion tonnes as on April 1, 2019.

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Ministry of Tourism has identified 180 Tourist sites for organizing Swachhta Action Plan (SAP) activities during the year 2019-20 to create Swachhta Awareness amongst the tourists

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission the Ministry of Tourism has identified 180 Tourist sites for organizing Swachhta Action Plan (SAP) activities during the year 2019-20 to create Swachhta Awareness amongst the tourists, students of schools / colleges and stakeholders across the country.

Besides, Swachhta Pakhwada and Swachhta-Hi-Seva activities have also been undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism at several locations across the country.

As per information received from Archaeological Survey of India, in the State of Uttar Pradesh, there are thirteen monuments that have been identified as Adarsh Monuments for providing tourist facilities which are as follows:  

1. Taj Mahal, Agra 2. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra 3. Agra Fort, Agra 4. Itmad-ud-Duala, Agra 5. Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra, Agra 6. Rani Jhansi’s Palace, Jhansi 7. Residency, Lucknow 8. Kalinjar Fort, Banda 9. Ancient Buddhist Remains and site, Sravasti 10. Site, Stupa and Monastery of the Sakyas, Piparva, Siddharthnagar 11. Lal Khan Tomb, Rajghat, Varanasi 12. Ancient Buddhist Remains and site, Kushinagar 13. Ancient Buddhist Remains, Sarnath, Varanasi.

Facilities like drinking water, toilet, interpretation center, wi-fi, illumination, ramps, pathways, publication sale counter etc. are provided at the World Heritage and Ticketed monuments. Further, existing facilities are upgraded as per requirement and its upgradation is a continuous process.

This information was given by the Minister of State (I/c) of Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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At 55.3, manufacturing PMI hits eight-year high in January

The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for manufacturing increased to 55.3 in January 2020 reaching the highest in nearly eight years.

The manufacturing PMI is calculated by IHS Markit from the responses to questionnaires sent to purchasing managers in a panel of around 400 manufacturers. The panel is classified by detailed sector and company workforce size, based on contributions to GDP.The responses from these managers are collected in the second half of each month. This reveal the direction of change compared to the previous month. Policy makers use this index as it reflects changes in manufacturing sector.

According to Ms Pollyanna de Lima, Principal Economist at IHS Markit, in India manufacturing sector growth continued to strengthen in January, with operating conditions getting better at a pace not seen in close to eight years.

The PMI results show that a significant rebound in demand improved growth of sales, input buying, production and employment as firms focused on rebuilding their inventories and expanding their capacities in anticipation of further increases in new business.

The subdued cost pressure also helped companies, thus, enabling them to restrict the rise in their fees to some extent. Ms Pollyanna de Lima added, "To complete the good news, there was also an uptick in business confidence as survey participants expect buoyant demand, new client wins, advertising and product diversification to boost output in the year ahead." 

This positive news is important at the time when there is lot of debate in emergence of green shoots after prolonged slowdown. Another indication of improvement was when the GST collection in January crossed Rs 1.10 lakh crore (US$ 15.74 billion), which is second highest collection after introduction of new indirect tax regime in July 2017. This improvement in the manufacturing sector is also expected to have better impact on the job creation, which is much required at this moment.

Though, the chances for any rate revision in the month of February is completely ruled out with this improvement in manufacturing. The retail inflation, key for revision of policy rate, has crossed 7 per cent standing beyond the RBI's comfort level.

The report also added that there will be an increase in the growth of new business, output, exports, input buying and employment.

At the same time, business sentiment strengthened and there were softer rises in both input costs and output charges.  Accordingly, PMI jumped to 55.3 In January from 52.7 in December.

The consumer goods sub-sector remained the brightest spot, though, the growth was sustained in intermediate goods and capital goods moved back into expansion. Companies noted the strongest upturn in new business intakes for over five years, which they attributed to better underlying demand and greater client requirements. Many firms also suggested that marketing efforts resulted in good outcome.

The increase in total sales was supported by strengthening demand from external markets, as noted by the fastest increase in new export orders since November 2018. Manufacturers witnessed a higher sale to clients in Asia, Europe and North America, with favourable exchange rates helping the upturn.

The Indian goods producers increased the production in January to meet the increased demand. However, the rise was the strongest in over seven and a half years, with the rate of expansion much higher than its long-run average.

Such was the strength of the rise in sales that some firms had to use their stocks to fulfil order obligations. As a result, inventories of finished products declined sharply in January.

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73.47 Lakh Candidates Trained Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

Under the Skill India Mission, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is implementing a flagship scheme called the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2016-20 with an objective to provide skilling to one crore youth under Short Term Training (STT) courses and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) across the country in a four years period i.e. 2016-2020. Under PMKVY (2016-20), as on 17.01.2020, 73.47 lakh (appx.) (40.27 lakh STT + 33.20 lakh RPL) candidates have been trained/oriented throughout the country. The State/UT-wise number of candidates trained / oriented under PMKVY (2016-20) is given at Annexure.

Under PMKVY 2016-20, focus on employment has been significantly enhanced and candidates have been placed in various sectors and industries. Some of the provisions and initiatives are given below:

• TCs/TPs are required to have dedicated mentorship-cum-placement cells for industry linkage and placement of candidates.
• TPs are mandated to organize Placement / Rozgar Melas every six months with support from the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) and to ensure the participation of local industry.
• The reimbursement of last 20 per cent of training payout to TCs is linked with the placement (wage employment or self-employment) of the candidate.
• With a focus on retention of placed candidates, TPs are given an incentive (Rs 3000 - Rs 5000 [US$ 42.46 - 70.77] per trainee) if a candidate is retained in employment for a period of 12 months.
• Post placement support of Rs 1500 (US$ 21.23) per month per trainee is applicable for special groups and special areas for 2- or 3-month post training depending on placement within or outside the district of the domicile of the candidate.
• Re-allocation of targets to TPs is based on placement achievements of previous allocated targets.
• Target allocation for FY 2019-20 includes employer-led models via RFP mode to ensure participation of employers which assure at least 50 per cent captive employment, amongst other mandates.

Under PMKVY (2016-20), there are various provisions for monitoring of TCs as well as candidates. The life cycle of training process of candidates (enrolment-training-assessment-certification-placement) is tracked or monitored on real-time basis through the Skill Development Management System (SDMS) which is linked with Aadhaar enabled biometric attendance. Empanelled TCs are being monitored effectively through various methodologies such as self-audit reporting, call validations, surprise visits, social media etc. Appraisal of the on-going schemes and consequent improvements is an ongoing process.

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