Daily news updates 27 July 2020

National News

1. GoI grants medical assistance worth about USD 1Mn to DPRK

• Government of India has extended medical assistance worth about USD 1 million in the form of anti-tuberculosis medicines to North Korea.
• The medical assistance was extended in response to a request received from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and was granted under the aegis of an ongoing WHO anti-tuberculosis programme in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
• The consignment of anti-tuberculosis medicines was handed over by Indian Ambassador to DPRK Atul Malhari Gotsurve to DPRK authorities in the presence of a WHO representative.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Supreme Leader of North Korea: Kim Jong-un.
• Capital of North Korea: Pyongyang; Currency: North Korean won.

Banking News

2. RBI signs $400 mn currency swap with Sri Lanka

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed an agreement for extending a $400-million currency swap facility to Sri Lanka.
• This currency swap is used to boost the foreign reserves and ensure the financial stability of the country, which is badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The currency swap arrangement will remain available till November 2022.
• Sri Lanka was set to enter into an agreement with the RBI for a currency swap worth $400 million under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) framework.
• In the swap arrangement, a country provides dollars to a foreign central bank, which, at the same time, provides the equivalent funds in its currency to the former, based on the market exchange rate at the time of the transaction.
• The parties agree to swap back these quantities of their two currencies at a specified date in the future, which could be the next day or even two years later, using the same exchange rate as in the first transaction.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Governor of RBI: Shaktikanta Das; Headquarters: Mumbai.
• RBI Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.
• President of Sri Lanka: Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
• Prime Minister of Sri Lanka: Mahinda Rajapaksa.
• Capital of Sri Lanka: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
• Currency of Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan rupee.

Sports News

3. Haryana to host 2021 Khelo India Youth Games

• Haryana will host the 4th edition of the Khelo India Youth Gamesin 2021.
• The announcement was made by the Haryana's chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju via video conference.
• The Games will be held in Panchkula.
• Haryana has done well in all three editions of KIYG. While they came second in both 2019 and 2020 editions (200 medals in 2020 and 159 medals in 2019) Haryana won it in 2018 with 102 podium finishes (38 gold, 26 silver, 38 bronze).

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Governor of Haryana: Satyadeo Narayan Arya.
• Chief Minister of Haryana: Manohar Lal Khattar.

Science & Technology

4. IIM-Kozhikode develops 'Veli Band' for ensuring social distancing

• The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode based incubated startup Qual5 India Pvt.Ltd has developed a wearable hand band Known as the "Veli Band".
• The band will help in maintaining social distancing by sending out an alarm in case of proximity with another person.
• The band momentarily vibrates, sounds buzzer, and flashes LED simultaneously to notify wearers that another band is within 3 feet (1 metre), reminding them of the need to maintain social distance.
• The device, to be worn on the wrist, can anonymously keep track of interactions with other devices and thus not only help in maintaining a safer workplace but also aid in tracking employee movements in real-time.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Chairman of IIM-K: A. Vellayan.
• IIM-K Headquarters: Kozhikode, Kerala.

Important Days

5. 82nd Raising Day of Central Reserve Police Force

• The 82nd Raising Day of Central Reserve Police Force was observed on 27 July 2020.
• The CRPF was founded as Crown Representative's Police on July 27, 1939 and became the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on the enactment of the CRPF Act on December 28, 1949.
• CRPF has the mandate to secure internal security scenario and is at the forefront to keep our nation safe.
• The first battalion of the force was raised on July 27, 1939, as the Crown Representative's Police (CRP) under the British in Neemuch town of Madhya Pradesh.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Director General of Central Reserve Police Force: AP Maheshwari.

6. Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrated on 26th July

• Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on 26th July every year.
• On this day, the country remembers the extreme valour, sacrifice and exemplary courage of Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil war.
• This year India is celebrating the 21 years of victory in Kargil war.
• It was in 1999 that a high altitude mountain war broke out along the peaks of Kargil near the Line of Control, the de-facto border that divides Kashmir between the two nations.

Obituaries

7. Tanzania’s Former President Benjamin Mkapa passes away

• Tanzania’s Former President, Benjamin Mkapa passed away.
• He served as the third president of the country, from 1995 to 2005, before handing over power to the fourth president Jakaya Kikwete.
• He held several cabinet posts, such as foreign minister and information minister and also served as ambassador to the United States before he was elected president.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• President of Tanzania: John Magufuli.
• Capital of Tanzania: Dodoma.
• Currency of Tanzania: Tanzanian shilling.

Miscellaneous News

8. Delhi government launches portal "Rozgar Bazar"

• Delhi government has launched the portal named as "Rozgar Bazar", a sort of marketplace for job seekers and the people recruiters.
• The portal will proved to be a boon for the employers as well as the job seekers.
• The recruiters can visit the website and update their requirements, similarly job seekers are also required to visit the portal and update their qualification, experience and requirement.
• The "Rozgar Bazar" portal is an effort of the Delhi Government to revive the lockdown-hit economy of Delhi.
• There are many people who want jobs and there are traders, businessmen, professionals, contractors who are not getting the right person for their work. This portal will fill the gap by bringing them together on one platform.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Chief Minister of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal; Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal.

9. J&K LG announces launch of 'Macadamisation Program'

• Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu has announced the launch of a 'Macadamisation Program' for the improvement of roads across Jammu and Kashmir.
• Murmu has approved a program for 100 percent Macadamisation of all roads in the Union Territory including 11,000 km of fair-weather roads.
• Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor also announced a release of Rs 200 Crores to the Public Works Department as the first tranche so that the Macadamisation work on priority roads can commence.
• The prioritization criteria will include when a road was last macadamized, whether it was part of the grievances presented before Lieutenant Governor during his outreach tours, the present quality of the road and other similar factors.

Daily Corona updates 26 July 2020

Coronavirus India Live News Update: India's COVID-19 Cases Soar To 13,85,522, Delhi's Recovery Rate Nears 88%

COVID-19 India Updates: There are currently 4,56,071 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Coronavirus Live Updates: With 48,661 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 13,85,522 on Sunday, while the recoveries mounted to 8,85,576, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The COVID-19 death count in the country rose to 32,063 with 705 fatalities being recorded in a day, the data updated at 8 am showed. There are 4,67,882 active cases of coronavirus infection presently in the country. Thus, around 63.92 per cent people have recovered so far.

Meanwhile, Delhi's COVID-19 recovery rate reached nearly 88 per cent on Sunday, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying the national capital is now in the 10th position among states and union territories as the number of active cases are "steadily" going down.

The number of active cases is 11,904 now, against 12,657 on Saturday, 13,681 on Friday, 14,554 on Thursday and 14,954 on Wednesday, according to health department bulletins.

The recovery rate in the national capital has climbed to 87.95 per cent from Saturday's figure of 87.29 per cent, while the positivity rate increased to 6.13 per cent from 5.56 per cent on Saturday, the department said in its latest bulletin in Sunday.

The death count from the coronavirus infection has risen to 3,827 in the national capital with 21 fresh fatalities and the total number of cases has climbed to 1,30,606 after 1,075 people tested positive in the last 24 hours, it said.

Here are the Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases:

Jul 26, 2020 22:24:50 (IST)

"Wear Masks": Gujarat Traders Sell Rakhis With COVID Precautionary Quotes

With the festival of Raksha Bandhan fast approaching, the rakhi makers of Ahmedabad have packaged rakhis with important messages amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every year the rakhi makers of Gujarat sell these with different messages. This year, the makers are spreading precautionary messages against COVID-19.

Speaking to ANI, Mohammed Iqbal, a rakhi trader said, "We want to spread awareness about measures that need to be taken to stay safe from the virus."

"Raksha Bandhan is the festival that shows love and affection between a brother and a sister. Each year we make rakhis on different designs. This year our rakhi packets carry the theme of COVID-19. Just like every year, people will definitely celebrate rakhi. A sister will tie rakhi on her brother's wrist, but our message in the packages urges people to wear masks, keep distance, use sanitizers during the times of COVID-19," he added.

Jul 26, 2020 21:57:58 (IST)

Maharashtra Reports Over 9,400 COVID-19 Cases, Tally Crosses 3.75 Lakh-Mark

The COVID-19 tally in Maharashtra increased to 3,75,799 on Sunday with the single-day surge of 9,431 cases, the health department said. As the virus claimed 267 more lives, the state's death count reached 13,656, it said.

As many as 6,044 patients were discharged from hospitals on Sunday, taking the number of recovered persons to 2,13,238, the department said in a statement.

Maharashtra now has 1,48,601 active cases, it said. A total of 18,86,296 people have been tested so far.

Mumbai city and its suburban areas on Sunday reported 1,101 fresh cases, which took its total to 1,09,161. With 57 deaths, the fatality figure of the region reached 6,093.

Maharashtra's case recovery rate now stands at 56.74 per cent, while the fatality rate is 3.63 per cent, the department said.

Jul 26, 2020 21:42:38 (IST)

1,115 New COVID-19 Cases Detected In Mumbai, 57 More Die

The number of coronavirus patients in Mumbai reached 1,09,096 after 1,115 cases were reported on Sunday, the civic body said.

The death count in the metropolis grew by 57 to 6,090, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement.

As many as 1,361 patients recovered during the day, which took the number of discharged persons to 80,238 so far, it said.

There are 22,768 active COVID-19 cases in the country's financial capital.

Mumbai's recovery rate is 73 per cent and the doubling rate is 67 days, the civic body added.

Till July 25, as many as 4,78,825 tests were conducted.

Jul 26, 2020 21:08:30 (IST)

Madhya Pradesh reports 874 new COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths today; taking the total number of cases to 27,800 including 811 deaths and 7,857 active cases: State Health Department

Jul 26, 2020 20:40 (IST)

Karnataka Reports 5,199 COVID-19 Cases In A Single Day, Highest So Far

Karnataka on Sunday witnessed the highest single day spike in coronavirus cases with 5,199 additions, taking the aggregate in the state to 96,141, while 82 died due to the virus, the health department said.

There are 58,417 active cases including 632 in the ICUs whereas the 2,088 discharges on Sunday took the total discharges to 35,838, the department said in the bulletin.

The positive cases were led by Bengaluru urban district with 1,950 infections, followed by 579 in Ballari, 230 in Mysuru, 213 in Bengaluru Rural, 199 in Dakshina Kannada among other districts.

Jul 26, 2020 20:21:38 (IST)

Puducherry: Total COVID-19 Cases To Over 6,000 By August-End, Says Malladi Krishna Rao

Puducherry Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao said that the number of COVID-19 patients in the Union Territory will be over 6,000 by the end of August.

"The number of patients in Puducherry will be over 6,000 by the end of August. Around 2,000 beds will be needed. Private hotels and government hostels will be turned into a temporary Govt Hospital. Full curfew is required for a day every week," Malladi Krishna Rao said on Saturday.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website, the total number of cases of COVID-19 in Puducherry is 2,654. The active cases are 1,055. The number of cured and discharged is 1,561. The death count is 38.

Jul 26, 2020 20:21:37 (IST)

Puducherry: Total COVID-19 Cases To Over 6,000 By August-End, Says Malladi Krishna Rao

Puducherry Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao said that the number of COVID-19 patients in the Union Territory will be over 6,000 by the end of August.

"The number of patients in Puducherry will be over 6,000 by the end of August. Around 2,000 beds will be needed. Private hotels and government hostels will be turned into a temporary Govt Hospital. Full curfew is required for a day every week," Malladi Krishna Rao said on Saturday.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website, the total number of cases of COVID-19 in Puducherry is 2,654. The active cases are 1,055. The number of cured and discharged is 1,561. The death count is 38.

Jul 26, 2020 19:51:21 (IST)

Delhi's COVID-19 Recovery Rate Nearly 88 Per Cent, Arvind Kejriwal Says Active Cases "Steadily" Going Down

Delhi's COVID-19 recovery rate reached nearly 88 per cent on Sunday, with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying the national capital is now in the 10th position among states and union territories as the number of active cases are "steadily" going down.

The number of active cases is 11,904 now, against 12,657 on Saturday, 13,681 on Friday, 14,554 on Thursday and 14,954 on Wednesday, according to health department bulletins.

The recovery rate in the national capital has climbed to 87.95 per cent from Saturday's figure of 87.29 per cent, while the positivity rate increased to 6.13 per cent from 5.56 per cent on Saturday, the department said in its latest bulletin in Sunday.

The death count from the coronavirus infection has risen to 3,827 in the national capital with 21 fresh fatalities and the total number of cases has climbed to 1,30,606 after 1,075 people tested positive in the last 24 hours, it said.

In the last 24 hours, 1,807 patients have either recovered, been discharged or migrated out of the city, according to the latest bulletin.

"Today, Delhi reaches 10th position. People are recovering and No of active cases are steadily going down," the chief minister tweeted sharing a list of the states with the number of active coronavirus cases.

Jul 26, 2020 19:25:23 (IST)

Andhra Pradesh 7,627 Fresh Cases, Tally Inches Closer To 1-Lakh Mark

Andhra Pradesh's coronavirus tally touched 96,298 on Sunday as it raced closer to the one lakh mark with the addition of 7,627 new cases.

The COVID-19 count crossed the 1,000-mark, reaching 1,041 after 56 fresh casualties were reported in the last 24 hours.

The latest government bulletin said 3,041 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, taking the overall discharges to 46,301.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 48,956.

Jul 26, 2020 19:01:51 (IST)

28 New COVID-19 Cases Reported In Andaman And Nicobar Islands

A total of 28 new COVID-19 cases and four recoveries were reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the Union Territory to 318.

"The total figure includes 138 active cases and 18 recoveries," said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration.

No deaths have been reported so far.

Meanwhile, India on Sunday reported a spike of 48,661 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total COVID-19 positive cases to 13,85,522, including 4,67,882 active cases, 8,85,577 cured/discharged/migrated cases.

With 705 deaths in the last 24 hours, the cumulative count reached 32,063, news agency ANI reported.

Jul 26, 2020 18:50:52 (IST)

Lockdown Extended In Sikkim Till August 1

The Home Department in Sikkim on Sunday issued an order extending the period of lockdown in the state till 6 am, August 1.

"Whereas, the State Government had issued Order dated July 20, along with guidelines for enforcement of lockdown in the state of Sikkim till July 27. Now, therefore, after careful consideration of the situation, it has been decided to extend the period of lockdown till August 1 (6:00 AM) in the entire state," read the order from Home Department in Sikkim.

"The aforesaid Guidelines shall continue to be applicable during this period," the order further read.

On July 20, the state government ordered for complete lockdown from July 21 to 27 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

An order from the state government had said that all government offices, shops, commercial establishments, institutions, markets and factories shall remain closed, except where specific exemption is granted.

"All activities congregations and movement of people and goods and passenger vehicles shall be prohibited, with the exception of movement for supply and maintenance of essential goods and services, and shops dealing with essentials like groceries, hygiene products, fruits and vegetables, dairy and milk products, medicines, etc," the order had said.

"Movement pertaining to emergency services including law and order, fire, relief and rescue, hospitals, COVID-19 management and quarantine centre related activities will be allowed," it had added, news agency ANI reported.

Jul 26, 2020 18:30:16 (IST)

Fight Prejudice Against Covid Patients, Says Vice President

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday expressed anguish over instances of stigmatising of Covid-19 patients and denial of dignified last rites to people who died due to the virus.

He said such incidents were totally uncalled for and urged local communities and the society at large to prevent the recurrence of such happenings.

In a Facebook post, Mr Naidu said "the need of the hour is to fight prejudice and nip it in the bud. Otherwise, it can become more toxic than fake news and misinformation".

Urging everybody to treat Covid-19 patients with understanding and empathy, he said "it should be remembered that nobody is totally safe and the invisible virus can infect anybody".

Jul 26, 2020 18:20:38 (IST)

UP Sees Record Single-Day Spike Of 3,246 COVID-19 Cases, 39 Deaths Reported

Uttar Pradesh recorded its highest single-day spike of 3,246 COVID-19 cases on Sunday, taking the state's tally to 66,988.

However, according to a health bulletin issued here by the state government, 3,260 fresh cases were reported.

As many as 39 more people died due to COVID-19 in the state, pushing the toll to 1,426, the bulletin said.

Of the fresh cases, 449 were reported from Lucknow, 202 from Kanpur, 145 from Varanasi, 128 from Ballia and 101 from Bareilly.

Gautam Buddh Nagar reported 110 fresh COVID-19 cases, Gorakhpur 107 and Moradabad 103.

On Saturday, Uttar Pradesh's case count stood at 63,742.

Of the 39 fatalities, eight deaths were reported from Kanpur, six from Ballia, and three each from Ayodhya, Bareilly and Gorakhpur.

Two deaths each were reported from Jhansi, Sultanpur and Varanasi. Baghpat, Basti, Bulandshahr, Chandauli, Deoria, Jalaun, Jaunpur, Lucknow, Meerut and Prayagraj reported one death each.

There are 23,921 active cases in the state. As many as 41,641 COVID-19 patients have recovered and been discharged, the bulletin said.

Jul 26, 2020 18:04:05 (IST)

Himachal Pradesh's COVID-19 case tally rises to 2,136. There are 929 active cases, 1,178 recovered cases and 12 deaths: State Health Department

Jul 26, 2020 17:27:43 (IST)

36 Inmates Of Etah Jail Test Positive For COVID-19

As many as 36 inmates of the district jail here have tested positive for COVID-19, an official said on Sunday.

Jailor Kuldeep Singh Bhadauria said that in view of the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the district and jail administration have set up a temporary jail at a school in Etah.

Chief Medical Superintendent Ajay Agarwal said, "As per reports obtained from the Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra, 36 inmates of the Etah district jail have been found COVID-19 positive."

Mr Bhadauria said that an administrative officer and a deputy jailor have been posted at the temporary jail.

"Instead of sending a person directly to the jail, they are being sent to the temporary jail, where they will be tested for COVID-19. If symptoms are found, then they will be first admitted to L1 hospital, and after they are cured of COVID-19, they will enter the jail," he said.

On Friday, 225 inmates and three wardens of the Ballia district jail tested positive for COVID-19, officials had said.

Superintendent of the district jail, Prashant Kumar, said 224 male inmates, one female inmate and three jail wardens have contracted the disease.

Additionally, 120 inmates of Jhansi district jail tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, news agency PTI reported.

Jul 26, 2020 17:10:13 (IST)

34,145 Patients Recover From COVID-19, Highest In A Day: Health Ministry

As many as 36,145 patients have recuperated from COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, the highest recorded in a day, pushing the recovery rate to 63.92 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further dropped to 2.31 per cent, the ministry said.

The total recoveries has surged to 8,85,576 so far, as India's COVID-19 tally climbed to 13,85,522 on Sunday.

More patients are recovering and their total number exceeds active coronavirus infections by 4,17,694. "Recovered cases are 1.89 times the active cases," the ministry said.

Besides, for the first time a record number of more than 4,40,000 tests have been conducted in a single day. Also, the number of tests for detection of the COVID-19 has crossed the 16 million mark in the country.

"With 4,42,263 samples being tested in the last 24 hours, the number of Test Per Million (TPM) has further increased to 11,805 and cumulative testing to 1,62,91,331," the ministry said.

"For the first time, the government labs have set a new record of testing 3,62,153 samples. The private labs have also scaled a new high of 79,878 samples tested in a single day," it said in the statement.

Jul 26, 2020 16:23:59 (IST)

3,260 new COVID-19 cases reported in the State in the last 24 hours. Total active cases now stand at 23,921. A total of 41,641 people have been discharged after recovering from the disease. Death count is at 1,426: State Health Department

Jul 26, 2020 15:52:40 (IST)

PM To Launch COVID-19 Testing Facilities In Noida, Mumbai And Kolkata On Monday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch on Monday "high throughput" COVID-19 testing facilities in Noida, Mumbai and Kolkata, which will ramp up testing capacity and help strengthen early detection and treatment in the country, the Prime Minister's Office said.

The virtual launch event will be attended by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and the chief ministers of Maharashtra, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh -- Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee and Yogi Adityanath respectively.

The three high throughput testing facilities have been set up strategically at ICMR institutions -- National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research in Noida, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health in Mumbai and National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases in Kolkata.

These will be able to test over 10,000 samples in a day, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

Jul 26, 2020 15:28:52 (IST)

8 Deaths, 1,593 More COVID-19 Cases In Telangana

1,593 more COVID-19 cases, eight deaths and 998 recoveries have been reported from Telangana on Saturday, said the State Government.

With 1,593 new cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state has reached 54,059 including 12,264 active cases. While 41,332 recoveries have been reported in the state so far, the death count stands at 463. A total of 15,654 samples were tested, it added.

Jul 26, 2020 15:15:34 (IST)

Himachal Pradesh reports 21 new COVID-19 cases today, taking the total number of cases to 2,072 including 869 active cases, 1,174 recoveries and 12 deaths: State Health Department

Jul 26, 2020 15:06 (IST)

Delhi Records 1,075 Fresh COVID-19 Cases; Tally Rises To 1,30,606: Authorities

Delhi recorded 1,075 COVID-19 cases on Sunday, pushing the city's caseload to over 1.30 lakh, while the death toll mounted to 3,827, authorities said. Twenty-one fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the health department's bulletin, reports PTI.

Jul 26, 2020 14:47:56 (IST)

COVID-19 Tests Per Million Lowest In Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav

Bihar has conducted the lowest COVID-19 tests per million and has the highest positivity rate in the country, said Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday, reports ANI.

Jul 26, 2020 14:21:51 (IST)

Coronavirus News: 21 More COVID-19 Cases In Himachal Pradesh

21 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, said the State Health Department, reports ANI.

Jul 26, 2020 13:56:16 (IST)

"If Infected, Don't Fear": Shivraj Singh Chouhan On Testing Covid Positive

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who on Saturday confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19, tweeted Sunday morning to say that he is "fine" and to offer his praise for front-line workers in the war on coronavirus. Read here

Jul 26, 2020 13:37:52 (IST)

Coronavirus: 70 Fresh COVID-19 Cases In Arunachal; Count Rises To 1,126

Seventy more people, including nine security personnel, tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, taking the northeastern state''s tally of such cases to 1,126, a senior health official said, reports PTI.

Jul 26, 2020 13:29:42 (IST)

Coronavirus News: Telangana Records 1,593 New COVID-19 Cases

As many as 1,593 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths were reported in Telangana, taking the tally to 54,059 and the toll to 463, the state government said on Sunday.

Jul 26, 2020 13:26:41 (IST)

Himachal Pradesh reports 21 new COVID-19 cases today, taking the total number of cases to 2,072 including 869 active cases, 1,174 recoveries and 12 deaths: State Health Department

Jul 26, 2020 12:32:27 (IST)

1,376 More COVID-19 Cases In Odisha

1,376 more COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths due to the infection have been reported from Odisha in the past 24 hours, said the State Health Department.

Jul 26, 2020 12:13:07 (IST)

"Coronavirus Still As Dangerous As It Was In The Beginning": PM Modi

Coronavirus is still as dangerous as it was in the beginning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today, underlining that necessary precautions should be taken to stop the spread of the virus. With over 13 lakh cases, India is the third worst-hit country in the global coronavirus tally after US and Brazil. Read here

Jul 26, 2020 11:59:28 (IST)

Karnataka: Lockdown being observed in Shivamogga district, in the wake of COVID-19. Essential services exempted.

Jul 26, 2020 11:55:58 (IST)

India Conducts Over 4.4 Lakh COVID-19 Tests In Single Day

For the first time, a total of 4,42,031 samples were tested in the country in a single day, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The government labs set a new record of testing 3,62,153 samples while private labs also scaled a new high by testing 79,878 samples in a single day.

Jul 26, 2020 11:45:01 (IST)

Rajasthan's COVID19 cases tally rises to 35,909 with 611 new infections today till 1030 hours. The number of active cases in the state is 9,935 and 25,353 recovered cases, death toll 621: State Health Department

Jul 26, 2020 10:40:49 (IST)

COVID-19 News: Over 48,000 Coronavirus Cases In 24 Hours

India reported 48,661 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total so far to 13,85,522, government data shows. The number of death have risen to 32,063, with 705 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Jul 26, 2020 10:40:49 (IST)

COVID-19 News: Over 48,000 Coronavirus Cases In 24 Hours

India reported 48,661 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total so far to 13,85,522, government data shows. The number of death have risen to 32,063, with 705 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Jul 26, 2020 09:50:10 (IST)

The total number of COVID-19 samples tested up to 25th July is 1,62,91,331 including 4,42,263 samples tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Jul 26, 2020 09:06:16 (IST)

North Korea Locks Down City Over 1st Suspected Case Of COVID-19: Reports

North Korean authorities have imposed a lockdown on the border city of Kaesong after discovering what they called the country's first suspected case of the novel coronavirus, state media reported Sunday, reports AFP.

Jul 26, 2020 08:16:50 (IST)

COVID-19 Kits Import Licence Of 3 Firms In India Cancelled After US Action

India's drug regulator has cancelled the rapid diagnostic kit import licenses of three firms and suspended that of 16 others saying the USFDA has removed the manufacturers from their list of coronavirus serology test kits with directions that they should not be distributed, reports PTI.

Jul 26, 2020 07:56:08 (IST)

India's Daily COVID-19 Tests Up To 4.2 Lakh Amid Alarming Infection Rate

India, the third worst-hit country in the global coronavirus tally after US and Brazil, has gradually ramped-up its COVID-19 testing capacity and has conducted over 4.2 lakh tests in a day, the Union Health Ministry said Saturday, crediting the increase to number of labs for the achievement. The development comes even as the country struggles to bring down the rate at which the infection is spreading which remains nearly double than the US and Brazil.

Jul 26, 2020 07:36:02 (IST)

Over 3,000 COVID-19 Patients "Untraceable" In Bengaluru Amid Huge Spike

As many as 3,338 people infected with the novel coronavirus are untraceable in Bengaluru and a search is underway to trace them, authorities have said. The number accounts for 7 per cent of total coronavirus positive people in the city. Read Here

Jul 26, 2020 07:08:42 (IST)

COVID-19: Uttarakhand Chief Minister asks officials to increase testings
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Saturday asked officials to rapidly increase COVID-19 testings.

He said that adequate stock of essential materials related to COVID-19 should be kept in view of the monsoon season, the safety of the frontline workers should be taken care of.

Reviewing the COVID-19 situation in the state, Mr Rawat instructed officials to ensure that work in industrial institutions is not affected and the surveillance system is strengthened to prevent the spread of infection.

Jul 26, 2020 06:44:21 (IST)

COVID-19: Uttarakhand reports 224 new cases
Uttrakhand reported 224 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, taking the total cases in the state to 5,962.

According to the Uttrakhand health department, the state has 2,365 active cases, with 3,495 recoveries and 38 migrations. As many as 63 people have lost their lives to COVID-19 in the state so far.

The state health department also informed that the doubling rate of the viral infection, reported in the past seven days, is 20.81 days. The percentage of recovery for COVID-19 patients in the state is 58.63 per cent.

Jul 26, 2020 06:26:59 (IST)

North Korea Locks Down City Over 1st Suspected Case Of COVID-19: Reports
North Korean authorities have imposed a lockdown on the border city of Kaesong after discovering what they called the country's first suspected case of the novel coronavirus, state media reported Sunday.

Leader Kim Jong Un convened an emergency politburo meeting on Saturday to implement a "maximum emergency system and issue a top-class alert" to contain the virus, official news agency KCNA said.

If confirmed, it would be the first officially recognised COVID-19 case in the North where medical infrastructure is seen as woefully inadequate for dealing with any epidemic.

Jul 26, 2020 06:08:31 (IST)

COVID-19 death count in Assam mounts to 77; tally crosses 31,000-mark
A 65-year-old man died due to COVID-19 in Assam on Saturday, taking the death toll to 77, while the state's tally crossed the 31,000-mark after 1,165 fresh cases were reported, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The total number of COVID-19 cases reached 31,086 from Friday's 29,921. Of the fresh cases, 353 are from Guwahati and 100 from Golaghat.

The man, who was from Nagaon, died at Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), the minister said.

"Very sad to share that another #COVID19 patient, of Nagaon, succumbed to his infection today. He was admitted at GMCH. I feel extremely sorry for this loss to the family. Condolences," Mr Sarma tweeted.

The minister advised people to follow the necessary precautions strictly to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

Jul 26, 2020 06:05:43 (IST)

Coronavirus news: Maharashtra adds 9,251 COVID-19 cases
Maharashtra on Saturday reported 9,251 new COVID-19 cases, taking the cumulative count in the state to 3,66,368 while fatalities mounted by 257, including 116 in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), to 13,389, the state Health department said.

A record number of 7,227 patients were discharged in the day, taking the count of recovered cases to 2,07,194.

Maharashtra now has 1,45,785 active cases.

A total of 18,36,920 people have been tested so far for COVID-19, the department said.

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Daily news updates 25- July 2020

International News

1. Russia successfully holds fight test of 3D-printed aircraft engine

• Russia has conducted a successful flight test of an MGTD-20 gas turbine 3D-printed aircraft engine.
• The flight tests were held at Kazanbash aviation centre in Tatarstan.
• With the new technology, the production time of the main engine elements has been reduced by 20 times and the cost of their production has been reduced by more than two times.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• President of Russia: Vladimir Putin.
• Capital of Russia: Moscow.

Banking News

2. RBI releases the Financial Stability Report, July 2020

• The Reserve Bank of India has released the 21st issue of the Financial Stability Report (FSR).
• The FSR reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on risks to financial stability and the resilience of the financial system. The Report also discusses the issues related to the development and regulation of the financial sector.

Highlights of the Financial Stability Report (FSR):

• In response to COVID-19, a combination of fiscal, monetary and regulatory interventions on an unprecedented scale has ensured normal functioning of financial markets.

Click Here To Read More!!!

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Governor of RBI: Shaktikanta Das; Headquarters: Mumbai.
• RBI Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

Agreements & MoUs

3. Adani Ports signs up for Science-Based Targets initiative

• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) has become the first Indian port to sign the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
• After signing up for the SBTi, APSEZ has committed to set up science-based emissions reduction targets across their entire value chain. These targets would be consistent with keeping global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
• SBTi encourages the best practices in science-based target setting and independently evaluates the companies’ targets.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Chief Executive Officer of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd: Karan Adani.

Appointments News

4. Partha Pratim Sengupta becomes new MD & CEO of IOB

• Government of India has appointed Partha Pratim Sengupta as the new Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB).
• Sengupta will replace Karnam Sekar, who retired from the post of the MD and CEO at IOB on June 30, 2020.
• Sengupta has been appointed upto a date of attaining the age of superannuation, December 31, 2022, or until further orders.

5. Tata AIA Life Ltd appoints Naveen Tahilyani as its MD & CEO

• Naveen Tahilyani has been appointed by Tata AIA Life Limited as its Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Tahilyani will take over from the current CEO Rishi Srivastava, who has been appointed as chief executive officer, group agency distribution, AIA Group, Hong Kong. He was roped in by Axis Bank as group executive- head of banking operations and transformation.
• Tahilyani was the CEO of Hong Kong's AIA Group's partnership business distribution until 2019. He has also served as the CEO and Managing Director of Tata AIA from 2015 to 2018.

6. Sahil Seth appointed as honorary adviser for BRICS CCI

• Sahil Seth has been appointed as an honorary adviser to the steering committee for the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) young leaders.
• Seth has been appointed for the period 2020-2023. He is presently serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Mumbai Customs.
• The BRICS CCI is the parent organisation which promotes commerce and industry in the BRICS nations and produces an enabling support system for the MSME segment of businesses and young entrepreneurs from across all different geographies.
• The primary objective of the honorary advisers committee is to organise themselves in BRICS countries chapters for a period of three years with a chair leading the committee.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• BRICS member countries are: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

7. Riva Ganguly Das appointed as Secretary East in MEA

• India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Riva Ganguly Das has been appointed by the Government as the Secretary East, in the Ministry of External Affairs.
• She will succeed Vijay Thakur Singh after her retirement on 30th September this year.

Sports News

8. Sripali Weerakkody retires from International Cricket

• Sri Lankan bowling allrounder, Sripali Weerakkody has announced her retirement from International Cricket with immediate effect.
• She made her international debut in 2006 and played 89 ODIs (One Day International) and 58 T20Is (Twenty20 International) fro Sri Lanka.
• She played her last international game in 2018 and scored 722 runs and 58 wickets in ODIs, and 209 runs and 31 wickets in T20Is.
• She also represented Sri Lanka in three 50-over World Cups: 2009, 2013 and 2017 as well as five T20 World Cups: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018.

Miscellaneous News

9. Muthoot Fincorp launches portal "Restartindia" for MSMEs

• A portal "Restartindia" has been launched by the Kerala-based NBFC, Muthoot Fincorp.
• The portal has been launched for the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in order to restart businesses across the country.
• It will also offer solutions for problems faced by a large number of women entrepreneurs and will majorly focus on nano and micro enterprises.
• Muthoot Fincorp and INKtalks, a free and open platform for advisory support, have jointly conceptualised the portal.
• The "Restartindia" portal will also offer details of MSME-focused governmental, institutional support as well as resources on how to run or establish a sustainable business venture.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Nitin Jairam Gadkari.