India’s first Mobile Virology Diagnostics and Research Laboratory inaugurated in Hyderabad

1.International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace: 24 April

The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is observed every year on 24 April.The UN Assembly proclaimed the day while considering that preserving the values of multilateralism and international cooperation is fundamental to promote and support the three pillars of the UN – Peace and Security, Development and Human Rights.

The day was first observed by the United Nations (UN) on April 24, 2019.

2.World Immunization Week: 24 April to 30 April.

World Immunization Week is a global public health campaign to raise awareness and increase rates of immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases around the world.It takes place each year during the last week of April i.e 24 April to 30 April.

This week tries to inform individuals about the use of vaccines and their importance to fight against diseases at different ages. Vaccination protects a person’s body and helps fight against deadly diseases.

The theme for World Immunisation Week 2020 is ‘VaccinesWork for All’.

3.Pakistan receives USD 1.39 billion emergency loan from IMF to deal with Coronavirus crisis

Pakistan has received an emergency loan of 1.39 billion US Dollars from the International Monetary Fund to boost its foreign exchange reserves in the wake of the further economic downturn due to the Corona virus crisis.Earlier, Pakistan requested the global money lender for a low-cost, fast-disbursing loan under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to deal with the adverse economic impact of COVID-19.

The RFI is used to provide financial assistance to IMF member countries facing an urgent balance of payments need without requiring them to put a full-fledged programme in place.

The 1.39 billion US Dollar loan is in addition to the six billion US Dollar bailout package that Pakistan has signed with the IMF in July last year to stave off a balance of payment crisis.

The World Bank has earlier approved one billion US Dollars and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 1.5 billion US Dollars for Pakistan to keep its economy afloat.

4.National Panchayati Raj Day: 24 April

In India, April 24 is considered historic as it is observed as National Panchayati Raj Day.Every year the day is celebrated since the passing of the Constitution Act (73rd Amendment), 1992 came into force from 24 April, 1993.

Each year to celebrate the inception of decentralised power, National Panchayati Raj Day is celebrated.

Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi is credited with laying the foundation of Panchayati Raj institutions in order to take democracy to the grassroots level.

5.CSIR’s IMMT develops foot-operated wash basins

In the time of the coronavirus crisis, CSIR’s Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology has come up with foot-operated wash basins.These basins will be installed in Mumbai’s Dharavi, a densely-populated slum area which has so far reported 189 cases of the infection.

These wash basins are such that users do not have to use their hands to get water or soap, thus helping in minimising the chance of coronavirus spread.

Designed by IMMT scientist P C Deuria and technical officer R K Mondal the foot-operated machine has pedals.

Pressing one will dispense soap, while another will release water.

6.India’s first Mobile Virology Diagnostics and Research Laboratory inaugurated in Hyderabad

Unique and first of its kind facility in the country, a Mobile Virology Diagnostics and Research Laboratory has been inaugurated in Hyderabad at the ESI medical college.Developed by the DRDO, the Biosafety level-3 laboratory can test thousand samples for Coronavirus daily and can scale up to 2000 in future.

The laboratory also has a facility to trial drugs and conduct research on Coronavirus.

The laboratory has been developed in less than two weeks.

7.Manipur govt commemorates ‘Khongjom Day’

The Manipur state government commemorated ‘Khongjom Day’ at Khongjom War Memorial Complex, on 23rd April.The Khongjom Day is celebrated every year on April 23 by the State government to pay tribute to the war heroes of Anglo-Manipuri War 1891 who had sacrificed their lives fighting against the British to protect freedom of Manipur.

The site is about 35 KM south of Imphal in Thoubal district where the battle was fight between Manipuri and British.

8.UP becomes first state with in-house facility of virtual courts

Uttar Pradesh has become the first state to have the requisite infrastructure in all its courts for hearing cases through video conferencing.The Allahabad High Court took a number of initiatives to facilitate court proceedings through video conferencing.

Recently a software has been installed in the high court and district courts of the state.

The Allahabad High Court and all district courts of Uttar Pradesh can now conduct multiple court proceedings through virtual courts within the court premises without any internet connectivity.

9.World Bank approves Rs 585 cr for Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project

The World Bank has approved 82 million US dollars (585 crore rupees) for the Himachal Pradesh State Roads Transformation Project (HPSRTP) for upgradation of major roads and modernization of the Public Works Department in the state.The work of construction and maintenance of road projects in the State has been adversely affected due to the lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The target of construction of 900 kilometres road length was fixed for the year 2019-20 but 800 kilometres roads could be constructed during the outbreak of coronavirus.

On the other hand 1666 crore rupees had been allocated for target construction of 4960 kilometres of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) for the year 2020-21.

10.Govt to suspend IBC provisions up to 1-year

The government has decided to amend the insolvency law to suspend up to one year provisions that trigger insolvency proceedings against defaulters.The amendments to the IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) would pave the way for banks to restructure loans.

The coronavirus outbreak and the nationwide lockdown to curb spreading of infections have significantly impacted economic activities and the latest decision in a way provides more leeway for corporate borrowers in repaying their loans.

As per existing norms, if a payment default exceeds 90 days then the lender concerned has to refer the account for resolution under IBC or any other mechanism permitted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The lender does not have the option to restructure the loan.

Currently, RBI norms prohibit restructuring of loans and resolution has to be done under IBC.

11.World Games unveil new logo, title for 2022 edition

The World Games to be held in Birmingham, Alabama, which have been delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak, have unveiled a new logo and a new title.With the announcement of The Games shift to July 7-17, 2022, organisers have decided that the international multi-sport event will officially become ‘The World Games 2022′.

While the International Olympic Committee postponed the Summer Olympics until 2021, it agreed to retain the name “Tokyo 2020”.

12.Thespian Usha Ganguly dies at 75

Eminent theatre personality Usha Ganguly died.She founded the Rangakarmee group in 1976, which is known for non-conformist productions like Mahabhoj, Rudali, Court Martial and Antaryatra.

Ganguly  is credited for introducing a new form of alternative Hindi theatre in Bengal.

Her Bengali productions include Mukti and Manasi.