Top Best Current Affairs 23 April 2020 (2)

Domestic Udan flights operate in a hub and the main focus has been on the North East Region, island territories and the hill states. Lifeline Udan cargo includes enzymes, medical equipment, testing kits, Personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, gloves by State/UT Governments and postal packets.

Adam Higginbotham won William E. Colby Award.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) planned to implement the drug, Sepsivac. Cytokines are produced in response to an infection. Cytokines are essential for host defense against pathogens. There are six types of cytokines called cytokine profiles, acts on various pathogens. One of the significant contributors to death by COVID-19 is heightened immune response, called a cytokine storm. The immune system starts attacking both infected and uninfected cells. The drug modulates the immune system of the body, and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)approved the trial, and it will start soon at multiple hospitals.

Iran successfully launched a military satellite and the first satellite of the Islamic Republic of Iran successfully launched into orbit by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Satellite reached an orbit of 425 kilometers (264 miles) above the Earth's surface. The two-stage launch took place in Iran's Central Desert, The satellite was sent into orbit using a Ghased, or "Messenger," satellite.

An ordinance proposing new amendments to the Epidemic Disease Act, 1987 has been approved by the Union Cabinet on April 22, 2020. The amendment ensures the safety of healthcare workers and to end violence against them. It includes the imprisonment of guilty from 6 months to 7 years. The Union Minister Prakash Javadekar shared the news while briefing the media after a cabinet meeting.

Facebook announced the investment of Rs. 43,474 crores in Reliance Jio for 9.99% stake on April 22, 2020, making it the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the tech sector. The investment now values Jio platforms at Rs. 4.62 lakh crore. This step will help in achieving the ambitious plan of making India digital.

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar took part in an Extraordinary virtual meeting of G-20 Agriculture Ministers. The main aim is to address the issue of COVID-19 impacts on food security, safety, and nutrition.

Indian Railways among the organizations started providing 10,000 water bottles per day to Delhi Police personnel out on the streets in the fight against COVID-19. Indian Railways along with IRCTC, RPF and Zonal Railways distributed 50,000 water bottles in New Delhi.