27 March 2020: PIB Summary & Analysis

March 27th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)
2. Fight Corona IDEAthon

1. Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)

• PMNRF was established with public contributions to assist displaced persons from Pakistan.
  • The fund was first consolidated during the time of the first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru.
• The resources of the PMNRF are now utilized primarily to render immediate relief to families of those killed in natural calamities, and  to the victims of the major accidents and riots.
  • Assistance from PMNRF is also rendered, to partially defray the expenses for medical treatments. 
• The fund consists entirely of public contributions and does not get any budgetary support.
  • PMNRF accepts only voluntary donations by individuals and institutions.
• The corpus of the fund is invested in various forms with scheduled commercial banks and other agencies.
  • Disbursements are made with the approval of the Prime Minister. 
• The fund is recognized as a Trust under the Income Tax Act and the same is managed by the Prime Minister or multiple delegates for national causes.
• PMNRF is exempt under Income Tax Act, 1961 under Section 10 and 139 for return purposes. 
  • Contributions towards PMNRF are notified for 100% deduction from taxable income under section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. 
• The Prime Minister is the Chairman of PMNRF and is assisted by Officers/ Staff on honorary basis.

Context: 

• Vice President donates a month’s salary to Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

2. Fight Corona IDEAthon

Context: 

• Fight Corona IDEAthon is a 2-day online ideathon to mitigate the uncertainties arising in light of the rampaging Pandemic. 
• MHRD Innovation Cell, AICTE, MEITY Startup Hub, InnovatioCuris and other institutions of global and national prominence have jointly organized it.

Details

• It endeavours to scout for accessible and affordable technological solutions that can contain the rapid spread of infection, ease the mounting pressure and ensure a quick return to normalcy.
• The event is being held in partnership with Forge & InnovatioCuris.

How does it work?

• Challenges and problem statements have been sought from healthcare professionals, government officials and other stakeholders working on the ground. 
• The problems and challenges are curated under 8 different categories such as – Personal Hygiene & Protection, Awareness, Preparedness & Responsible Behavior, Medical Systems – Diagnostic & Therapeutic, Screening, Testing & Monitoring – Devices & IT/Digital/Data Solutions, Protecting Most Vulnerable Groups, Community Task Forces/Working Groups, Remote Work & Remote Education, Stabilizing Affected Businesses and the Open Category.
• Problem statements of high magnitude soliciting innovative technological solutions are put forth for student innovators, educators, researchers, professionals and startups to ideate and innovate feasible products.
• During the IDEAthon, Startups and innovators shall be guided by Domain experts, Healthcare providers and professionals, Innovation experts, etc. from across the country through a virtual platform.
• Few international agencies like worldstartup.co, United Nations Technology and Innovation lab, and Crowdera have also come forward to support the participants.

March 27th, 2020 PIB:- Download PDF Here

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